Please see the write-up below from senior Avery Hopper outlining her experience as a finalist in the NPR Illinois “This I Believe” essay contest. If you are interested in listening to the finalists’ essays, please visit this link: https://www.nprillinois.org/community-voices/2023-11-27/listen-this-i-believe-meet-the-authors-fall-2023
Avery reads her essay from approximately 21:57-24:18. Way to go, Avery!
“My Dual Credit English class wrote “This I Believe” essays and entered them in NPR Illinois’ state-wide competition. My essay, which was titled “Magic In The Mundane,” was inspired by my late great aunt, whose memory I hold very close to my heart. I wrote my essay about how she helped shape my view of the world and how she inspired my creative mind, about how a childhood me saw things vs how the now adult me still carries these whimsical ideas despite knowing that they’re just that, ideas. My essay weighed in on the value of keeping a creative spirit and carrying parts of your inner child with you as you grow, and how even in this mundane world a magic can be created through putting pen to paper and more.
When I submitted my essay to the contest, I was optimistic. I hoped that those who read my work could understand and appreciate what I was getting at, that they could see past the somewhat silly ideas I spoke of and appreciate my essay for what it was, an essay of love. An essay that made me feel more connected to my late aunt than I had in years, and made me feel that child-like whimsy towards the world yet again.
When I got the email that I was a finalist I was thrilled, to know that the judges read through dozens of entries yet mine still stuck out? It was exciting, but also nerve wracking. I would now need to read my essay not only for the radio but for a theater of people at the Abe Lincoln Museum in Springfield. However, the whole time NPR was very understanding and accommodating, I remember that by the time I made it to the recording room I actually felt relaxed. The museum reading was still a bit intimidating, but from the moment I stepped through the doors I was treated so kindly and respectfully. I wasn’t just a high school kid who just happened to get lucky, I was a writer who earned their spot. It was amazing to meet the other finalists as well, they all had written such amazing pieces and I felt like I really got to know them despite the short amount of time we spent together.
In the end, I got up on that stage with my fellow finalists and we all read our hearts out to the audience. It was like a rush of nerves and adrenaline that overtook me, but it was an amazing experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. Once we had all finished our essays, there were a few last words spoken before we were all presented with a large check to pose with which represented the $500 scholarships we would each receive. Essentially, I got school money just from having fun.
If you take Dual Credit English (which I personally recommend if it interests you), make sure you take the This I Believe essay seriously, it’s a chance to not only win a scholarship and have an amazing experience, but also a chance to put both you and your work out there. All you have to do is put your pen to paper.”