Read Anthony Abboreno’s nominated short story
Regarded as a major accolade in the literary world, the Pushcart Prize recognizes the best poetry, short fiction, and essays published by small presses.
While Anthony Abboreno, PhD, was nominated for his short story “A Better Man,” his main focus remains on teaching and helping students develop their voices through writing.
"I want people to know that writing is for everyone,” he said. "You don’t have to be a genius to tell your own story. Even if it feels intimidating because it reveals who you are, it’s important to share your truth."
Abboreno has been teaching English and literature at Scott Community College (SCC) since 2019, where he also serves as the faculty advisor for the Creative Writing Club. His path to SCC was both intentional and shaped by opportunity.
"I studied with the intent of becoming an English teacher," he said. After completing his PhD program in California, he had a clear goal in mind. "I particularly wanted to work at a community college because they attract students from a diverse array of backgrounds."
Before earning his PhD, Abboreno taught at the University of Southern Mississippi, an experience that shaped his teaching philosophy. "That’s where I began to realize some of the struggles faced by students who, for whatever reason, didn’t have as many advantages in preparing for college as other students," he said.
"Their public school or high school experiences weren’t that good, and they never really thought of themselves as great students. I learned some of the things you do to build confidence in people who need that confidence," Abboreno said.
“The most important thing is to show students they can succeed,” he added.
Many students doubt their writing abilities because past feedback has focused on mistakes like punctuation or grammar. “Yet they already have strong rhetorical skills. They know how to communicate with different audiences—whether it’s relaying information between a manager and a coworker or organizing family events,” Abboreno said.
“I work to show students that we write and speak in different contexts. We bring our unique selves and confidence into each situation. This is a learned skill, just like anything else. It’s not that someone is inherently good or bad at it; practice makes a difference,” he added.
Abboreno’s passion for teaching matches his dedication to writing, and he’s authored countless short stories. And, even as he earns recognition for his writing, his greatest reward comes when his students find meaning in literature and their own stories.
"What excites me most is the moment when a student sees the beauty in a piece of literature or realizes how the ideas we discuss can help them express something important in their life," he said. "Teaching writing and literature gives students a way to understand themselves better. I want them to recognize that their lives are meaningful and that writing can help uncover interesting details in everyday experiences."
Anthony Abboreno’s short story, “A Better Man” was published by Redivider in 2024 and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Read the story.