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“This I Believe” Essay Contest Winners

This year, SWR freshman English classes all engaged in a writing contest centered around  This I Believe essays. English teachers Courtney Cowie, Jennifer Nazer, and Sara Trenn selected four winners, as well as some students who deserved honorable mention. Please enjoy these stunning personal narratives.

Cali Krause – “This I Believe” Winning Essay

Freezing cold, no phone, sleeping in a bag for one whole night. That was my option if I wanted to go on this trip. It was early February, two years ago when I first went to New Hampshire to climb Mount Washington. I went with my dad, sister and a close friend. Doing this taught me to make the most out of every experience, because one day you will look back and wish you had done more. Every...

Allisandra Sagat – “I Believe That Everything Matters”

I believe that everything in life matters--that everything happens for a reason. Everything from the Sun rising and setting into day and night, to every goose that migrates as winter rolls around and every leaf has descended off their branches matters; everything from the most genuine acts of kindness, to the world’s most beautiful and exotic features. Each person has a story to tell, and every...

Michaela Santulli – “This I Believe” Winning Essay

I believe in art. As children we were always told to go against the grain. Do what makes us happy and be the fish that swims against the stream. However as we got older we found that sometimes people would judge us for being us. Some stuck in the belief that if you don't follow society's picture of “normal” you are not worth it. Those people though fail to realize that the picture of being...

Emily Scherl – “This I Believe” Winning Essay

The small bracelets my friend once made me have been with me through a lot of things and they will go through a lot more with me. They seem like something small but it is like a piece of them comes with me wherever I go. Even though these bracelets are nothing more than some string and beads, putting them on every morning reminds me that there is someone who cares for me. I believe that the little...

Honorable Mention

Ms. Cowie, Ms. Nazer, and Ms. Trenn would also like to recognize the following students by awarding them Honorable Mention. These students were vulnerable, worked extremely hard on their narratives, and produced something of note. They deserve recognition.   Menelaos Almiroudis Tiana Barone Derek Blanco Alexander Castillo Amber Condzella Abigail DeLumen Ella Meeker Abigail Metz ...

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This I Believe

Looking at life from both sides, now.

Liane Hansen

At 16, Elizabeth Deutsch Earle's essay on her search for religion became part of Edward R. Murrow's This I Believe series. Half a century later, as NPR revives the series, she contributes a second essay. She discusses both experiences with Liane Hansen.

16-year-old Elizabeth Deutsch with Edward R. Murrow in 1954. Photos Courtesy Elizabeth Deutsch Earle hide caption

16-year-old Elizabeth Deutsch with Edward R. Murrow in 1954.

Read Earle's Essays

Elizabeth Deutsch Earle today. hide caption

More from 'This I Believe'

'this i believe', the series, the benefits of restlessness and jagged edges, the ultimate victory of faith, hope and love.

Copyright © 2005 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

This I Believe 2020 Event

The NPR Illinois This I Believe 2020 essay contest wrapped up Wednesday March 4 with a special event at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  The 10 winning essayists read their submissions before a crowd that included parents and relatives, friends, teachers, administrators, state lawmakers and others. 

This marked the 14th year for the program on NPR Illinois.  We received 226 submissions from schools throughout our listening area.  The students wrote about their beliefs gained through life experences.   

The Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise has partnered with NPR Illinois since 2007 to promote the program and offer the winners a scholarship award.  This year, This I Believe added sponsors that included Kerber, Eck and Braeckel, Marine Bank, BLH Computers, the ALPLM  and Brian Barstead with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. 

Thanks to everyone who helped and to all of those who entered the contest.  You can find all of this year's winners and those from past years at the NPR Illinois website . 

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This I believe Illinois

High school essay winners write from the heart.

By Karen Ackerman Witter

This I Believe is an annual essay contest for high school seniors sponsored by NPR Illinois.  Modeled after the program started by radio journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1951, students are invited to write an essay sharing their own personal beliefs.  This year, 151 students within the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays.  Ten reviewers each read a group of essays and scored them based on originality, positivity and being personal and compelling.  Judges then reviewed and discussed the highest rated essays to select the 2023 top 10 essays.

High school seniors in Springfield and many communities throughout the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays.  This year’s winners are from Glenwood, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Rochester and Sullivan high schools, A-C Central High School in Ashland, Meridian High School in Blue Mound and Unity Christian High School in Decatur.

This is the 18 th year for This I Believe. The Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise has been a partner from the beginning, providing a cash award to the 10 winners. This year each student will receive $500, thanks to donations from the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, BLH Computers and Mary Beth and Harvey M. Stephens. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is hosting the culminating event, and Illinois Times is printing the winning essays.

Students will read their essays at the ALPLM on Thursday, Nov. 9. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dessert reception.  The event is free and open to the public. Registration in advance is encouraged.  To register for the Meet the Authors event, go to https://go.uis.edu/TIB .

Avery Hopper – Sullivan High School

I believe that there is magic all around us. Ever since I was young, my mind had been filled with all the magical possibilities in the world. While these ideas were influenced by many things, I believe that this gentle fire of ideas was sparked and maintained by my great-aunt, who encouraged every creative thought I spoke of: Fairies spreading joy in the garden, elves creating wonderful inventions in the forests and sleepy dragons who rested among their riches in the mountains. We spoke of each of these things so vividly that they almost became real to me.

I started to look for magic in every aspect of my life. I found the most mystical of ideas in the most ordinary scenarios. I would picture ghosts blowing bubbles in my drink to make the carbonation, generous merfolk placing seashells at my feet in ocean waters on vacation and giants in the shapes of clouds. I thought of all these things, and they each filled me with a cheery sense of wonder.

My great-aunt was my biggest fan. She would read the crude scribbles of stories I wrote in twistable colored pencil, admire the rough crayon doodles I handed her and always listen to me babble on about the newest idea I'd come up with. She told me of classic and timeless stories, such as the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, she showed me games that contained magic creatures and she was always open to watching the most imaginative cartoons with me.

I wish so desperately that I could share the new stories I've written with her, that I could show her how much I've improved at art, and that I could listen to a story from her one last time, but even the most magical of people fade away one day. I lost my great-aunt to cancer a few years ago. I lost my first best friend and one of my biggest supporters, but I never lost my creative spirit. She would never forgive me if I did.

I know now that carbonation is from the liquid being infused with CO2, that finding seashells is more of a luck-based thing than I originally thought and that clouds just kind of look like that. However, I will never let go of the ideas that I used to have, nor will I stop thinking up new ones. Despite things having a more scientific side than I had hoped, I still find a childlike joy in the thought that there is a greater force of some kind out there, that things happen for a reason and that there is no such thing as truly impossible.

Humans are creative little creatures, and dreaming big is something we're known for. So why should I be told to stop daydreaming about the more whimsical things life might have to offer?

"What happened to my outgoing little girl?" It was a question I always found my mom asking me. "She learned that something is wrong with her," I would always respond in my head. I could never figure out what exactly was wrong with me, but I knew that my peers figured it out: I was out of place.

I felt this for the first time in first grade when I excitedly walked up to my friends, ready to join them for recess – and they turned me away, saying they didn't want me around that day, so they could have fun. I left, upset, and spent my time walking around the playground alone.

This pattern continued until the third grade, when I moved schools. My mom was optimistic that I would fit in there; but I, on the other hand, was dreading the moment when my classmates would take one look at me and decide I'm not good enough. When the first day of school rolled around, my fears were proven true. I once again spent my recesses alone, but this time on the swings. As I swung, I watched everyone on the playground and listened to their chatter. "I feel like an alien," I once thought while I watched a group of laughing girls pass by. "Maybe I am an alien."

After school, I would also sit alone, leaning against the window on a bumpy bus ride. I was doing just that when something cold and wet hit my head. I looked up to see that it was pouring outside, and the windows had been left hanging open. I, along with others on the bus, rushed to close the windows near me. Once I had closed my window, I looked around to see if everything else was shut and caught the eye of a girl with long red hair. "I like your shirt!" I blurted out, surprising myself. I mentally facepalmed. I didn't even actually like her shirt! Why did I say that? "Thanks," she said smiling, and suddenly my blatant lie didn't seem to matter anymore. "My name's Lydia, what's yours?"

Lydia became my first real friend. She never asked me to leave her alone, and she always laughed at my jokes. Being odd didn't seem to matter anymore because I had someone to be odd with. When Lydia would get called weird, she would always reply, "Thank you, that's a compliment." I started saying that as well – and eventually started to believe it.

When middle school came about, we went to different schools, but I still carried her words with me. I kept growing my confidence and became OK with standing out. I started joining activities like drama club, and I even became a cheerleader last year. It has now been 10 years since I met Lydia, and I still believe being called weird is a compliment.

The power of airports

Mark McDonald – Rochester High School

I found myself winding through the infamous "mile-long line" at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Frustration simmering within me, I whispered the famous words of every impatient child: "I hate this."

Yet, amidst the wait, something changed. I took a few moments to take in my surroundings: Families clustered with luggage, passports in hand; arrivals and departures boards disclosing imminent flights; flight attendants offering welcoming smiles at the gate. The symphony of rolling suitcases and the gleam of laminated floors underfoot; wall art that extends hospitality in forms such as "Hello" and "Welcome" in a multitude of languages. The flight staff's warm salutations, ushering you toward your destination with wishes for a joyful journey ahead. An uncanny sense of belonging pervades these spaces.

Growing up in an immigrant family, traveling thousands of miles to visit my grandparents was my norm. There were no grand Thanksgiving feasts or festive Christmas gatherings; no "Granny's visiting soon because Dad and I have work." Airports, for me, embodied a catalyst of cherished childhood memories – summer visits to grandma and grandpa's house in England, or mama and papa's in Hungary. Understandably, airports took on a deep personal significance, woven into the fabric of a childhood shaped by cross-continental connections. As I became more independent, airports assumed new roles: Igniting the flames of adventure, sparking discoveries, and kindling learning.

Airports also bring to mind the radiant smiles of Nicaraguan children who received soccer balls and school supplies from us during our visit — now many years ago. Airports conjure memories of the tradition of annual spring breaks spent with my mother, exploring various American cities, both to relax and to learn: Washington, D.C., unveiled the inner workings of the American democratic machine; Boston's historic sites painted a vivid picture of the Revolutionary War and our nation's formative years; San Francisco illuminated the rich tapestry of immigration and industry; and New York City bared its artistic soul through music and culture.

I believe there's an ethereal quality to the anonymity of airports. Yet, this very anonymity kindles a shared purpose – to reach one's destination collectively. Airports act as a crucible, uniting people from across the globe in their pursuit of diverse destinations – even when their intentions diverge. Moreover, airports signify potential beyond history. They encapsulate my aspiration to become an ambassador for my homeland – a global emissary, striking agreements, conveying messages and embracing diverse cultures.

Stepping back, I recognize that airports are not just personal to me. They have the power to inspire and connect people around the world. Airports, symbols of diplomatic collaboration, underscore respect and trust, allowing individuals to cross borders freely for leisure or exploration. But in a more figurative sense, airports foster emotions, experiences and inspiration, which are the keystones of human motivation.

In this intricate tapestry of experiences and aspirations, I find my unwavering belief in the power of airports. They are the vessels of dreams, the crossroads of cultures and the embodiment of limitless potential.

I believe in big mouths and small mouthpieces

Angel Trader – Litchfield High School

As I blew air through the tiny mouthpiece of my trumpet, the sounds coming out just weren't correct. I was frustrated; I was ready to give up. All my fellow trumpet players were already hitting notes an octave higher than the note I was struggling with.

My band teacher could see all the built-up frustration I had. She then pulled out a new instrument I had never seen before. What could it be? My band teacher took the trumpet and offered me this new instrument to try. "The baritone," she called it. "It has a bigger mouthpiece. I think your mouth is too big for the tiny mouthpiece that comes with the trumpet." I was embarrassed, but now I realize this choice I made in the sixth grade was the best decision of my music career.

Music, for me, is an escape from reality. I can express myself through what I'm listening to, what and how I'm playing music, or what I have chosen to sing that day. It's a form of therapy that I have created for myself that is easily accessible. I have created friendships with people through band, choir and even just sharing a common love for music or a certain music genre. When I am stressing out about a school assignment or a math test, I put in my earbuds and lose myself to my newest favorite song as I write or study.

All this love came from the day I started playing the baritone. I have never been prouder to show off something new I've learned. As music became a more active part of my life, I realized that it was a love I wanted to share with other people. I serve as my marching band's drum major and share the love with my fellow band members as we learn a new drill. I am also able to share the love with the audience at football games as we perform our newest halftime show and with all the parents of our band members as they listen to our concert. I am honored to be a part of my school's Chamber Choir – an audition choir – where all our members share a common love for music. I can express these loves every day, in so many different settings, and I have found true happiness through this.

I have even decided to further share my love and study music. Music therapy is a form of interactive therapy that uses music to help the brain; this is what I have chosen to study in college. This way I can help others while also showing them how music can change lives. Music has changed my life for the better. It helped me find a healthy stress reliever and true happiness. I have now been in band for seven years and choir for six years. I couldn't imagine my life without music now. I believe in big mouths and small mouthpieces.

I believe in sewing

Andrew Doellman – A-C Central High School

I believe in sewing. When I was a young child, I often had to deal with abusive and toxic situations. I can't count on my hands how many times I wanted to run away from it all. However, I would soon find my wonderful little escape – sewing.

When I was 9 years old, I lost my great-grandpa. I always looked up to him and I knew everyone else did too. After his death, I could only think about how horrible my great-grandma, his wife, must have felt. I decided that I wanted to make her a gift, something for her to look at and smile. I took up my needle and thread for the first time and embroidered her a small tea towel. She was so happy when she saw it, and she still has it hanging up to this day. I felt proud and accomplished for the first time in many years – and from that day forward, I was hooked.

I have often watched the needle on my sewing machine run in and out of the fabric, like a rabbit running through the woods. I continue to find solace in watching it. Sewing is a very therapeutic hobby for me. Sewing allows me to escape and just dream of a happier future.

Sewing is now a part of my daily life. Whenever I feel lost or depressed, my needle and thread sit, waiting to listen. My hands have learned all new skills; my pillows and clothes have become more intricate. I feel proud of what I can do. Showing off my work makes me feel good and has helped immensely to restore my self-confidence. I am my own amazing person, but I needed that needle and thread to show me that.

I'm much older than I was when I started using sewing as a refuge, but sewing never left my heart or my hands. Sometimes I just love to watch the needle plunge deep into the fabric before quickly emerging back through the top. The gentle and simple motion of the sewing machine is relaxing and a beautiful reminder of just how far I have come – and how far I have left to go. I know that whether by hand or machine, that sewing will always be there for me when I need it — my own little sanctuary.

I believe in long nails

Marianna Lowe – Hillsboro High School

My hands are red and pruny from being in my mouth too long. There is a slight discharge of blood from one nail bed.

I can't stop.

I wish I could keep biting and picking at my fingers, but my hands feel like they are submerged in a tank of piranhas. My heart is swimming with them.

Biting my nails was the only way I knew how to cope with stress. I grew up in a house where the minute I heard a loud sound, I knew it was going to be a long night. My mother's boyfriend was on his first beer – and there were many more to come. First, it was doors smashing into their frames, then cabinets cracking from force, and sometimes it was glass being reduced to shards.

When this violent behavior occurred, I didn't have time to cower in a corner and pray that he wouldn't come into my room. I had to go into the inferno. I was the one who cleaned up the glass. I was the one clearing the endless Guinness cans off the counter. In between these chores, I gnawed at my fingers, savoring every bite that I took. I chewed them until they started bleeding and sometimes, I moved down my fingers, pulling and tearing at my skin. The mutilation was painful, but it was my reward. Like an extra suitcase, my habit followed me right out the door when we finally left.

Despite the distance and growth I've enjoyed since this time, there are days where I am in so much distress that all I want to do is rip my hands apart and bite them until they bleed. But then, I remember the pain, and I never want to feel it again. After all, I have learned to cope – through a lot of therapy, obviously – but also by getting my nails done. I would save up my money, head to the nail salon, and get the longest, practical nails available. Despite tending to wear drab clothes, my go-to nail colors became lavender, rosy future, and bubblegum pink.

Now, I look at my hands, and the corners of my lips reach my ears. I love having long nails. I love ceaselessly tapping on every surface in the house. I love the struggle of picking up change because I cannot get the right angle with my nails. And now, I love being able to just get my natural nails painted because they've been allowed to grow long enough to pass as acrylics.

This is why I believe in long nails. To me, they are so much more than a fashion accessory: Nails are a reminder to care for myself – the self that deserved care all along.

I believe in friendship bracelets

Sofia Flick – Glenwood High School

When I was about 8 years old, I went to a camp called PAVE. It was a theater camp, and at the end of every session, we would put on a play for all the parents. This particular session, there was a friendship bracelet fad. Our art teacher tried to teach us how to make them, but for some reason, I never "got it." The process of tying a bunch of strings together and ending up with a bracelet was too confusing. At the end of the session, the other kids in my group had arms covered in bracelets that they exchanged with each other. I pretended not to mind that all my friends had a physical symbol of their friendship while I didn't.

Eventually, that fad ended. Before I knew it, I was 16, and about to enter my junior year of high school. I hadn't thought about friendship bracelets for years, until my family was coming home from vacation. I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw a video of someone making a bracelet. I initially thought nothing of it and scrolled past. However, a few hours later, I found myself searching "how to tie friendship bracelet knots," and "how to read friendship bracelet patterns." By that evening, I had watched at least five tutorial videos.

I don't know what compelled me to learn to make friendship bracelets. I wish I could give that particular day sentimental value, but I think I was fueled through pure teenage boredom. The thing that kept me making these bracelets at first was the show I was in, Matilda. I was the oldest person playing a kid. The younger kids in the show looked up to me, and I wanted to make them all something to remember me by.

I really thought that would be the end of an era, and by the beginning of the school year I would be out of my bracelet phase, but I was wrong. Every show I was in, every new friend I made, even every time I was bored, I would make a bracelet. When I was a camp counselor at PAVE, I sat down with every kid that was interested and taught them how to make bracelets too. Now my arms are covered in bracelets, and even more line my bathroom counter.

As a kid, I wanted so badly to be like everyone else, and I felt like I stuck out – but not in a good way. Now, I embrace all those personality traits that younger me was ashamed of. I'm bold, I'm loud, I'm outgoing – and now, I try to pass along this acceptance to the younger kids who look up to me. I like that my love for bracelets makes me stand out, and I hope that by being myself, I influence the kids who look up to me to be proud of who they are.

Blood doesn't equal family

Emilie Harrison – Unity Christian School

Sometimes a biological family isn't going to be the people you need in your life. In my case, I was adopted when I was 4 years old after a lengthy court battle between my family and my biological mother. From the beginning, she had said she couldn't take care of a child and didn't want one. As soon as it came time for the finalization, she brought my family to court and fought it. Instead of an easy process, it was long and painful for all parties. I still had to visit her, but I never remember considering her a parent of mine.

Soon, my birth mother lost interest. I stopped seeing her early on. When I realized I wasn't going to see her again, I sadly felt a sense of relief. At that time, I was just appreciative I would stop bouncing between homes. My memories of her have slipped away by now, and I've moved on. It has never mattered to me that I was adopted. Instead, I'm grateful for the gift of someone to care for me.

Unfit blood parents cause countless issues for their children by selfishly dragging the kids into their problems, just as mine did. It can be necessary for those children to find other parents – people ready and willing to take on the responsibility of having a child. Even friends can be family, anyone close ... you never know who will end up having that sort of connection with you.

I was given a second chance. As I grow, I've found better people to influence me and be a part of my life. Since I was privileged to have been adopted, I have access to a good education and support through anything that may happen – something I would have never experienced otherwise. Despite the absence of biological family in my life, I will never regret not knowing them. Blood or not, I believe family is what you make, not what you are born into.

I believe in breakups

Lily Churchwell - Hillsboro High School

"We need to talk"

The glow behind the letters dims and goes dark. I'm at my friend Sophie's house, listening to Harry Styles's new album, when I get the "we need to talk" text from Ethan [name has been changed to protect the identity of jerk]. At first, I don't think anything of it, because we're already planning on hanging out with a group of friends next Sunday. However, when I start asking follow-up questions and getting terse answers, my heart starts to race. He is breaking up with me.

"I just think this is better for the both of us"

My stomach is being pushed down to the depths of the earth. Tears fall into the white porcelain sink. I look up into the mirror to see my glassy red eyes in the reflection before staring daggers through the obnoxious pink hand towel with a smiley face on it.

What did I do? How can I get him back? Did I change?

This breakup put me into a weirdly dark place, where I start thinking of myself through the eyes of others, rather than my own. When getting dressed, I intricately choose clothing that will be the most pleasing for dudes to look at. I strive to look effortless, even though I care too much because: Guys like girls who aren't afraid to show skin.

I also change my personality because: Guys don't like loud girls. I remain silent in class discussions, so my questions won't be viewed as dumb. This becomes a problem so severe that it affects my understanding of classroom material because I'm just too afraid to ask for help. Looking around, I start to see the signs. My grades are slowly dropping and my oversized Jonas Brothers T-shirt in the closet is collecting dust. This realization hit me like a bus – a bus going a trillion miles an hour.

Why was I doing this? I'm not planning on pursuing anything with any of these boys in my life, so why do I want to please them so much? Why did I become this person? I'm not like this.

This isn't me .

Now, I wear my Jonas Brothers shirt frequently and don't give it a second thought, because it pleases me. I want to be who I really am, rather than what I assume a guy wants me to be. A single text message turned my world upside down. However, I used my mental dilemma to better my self-perception. I believe in forming a sense of self that is only dependent on what makes me happy. This is why I believe in breakups.

Finding the quiet in your life

Amy Yang – Glenwood High School

I am not a morning person. I am the definition of a night owl, and yet I find myself waking up to the sound of my alarm ringing at 5 a.m. I reach over to stop the jarring sound and drag myself out of bed. Still half asleep, I go through the motions of my routine. After I mentally prepare myself for the day ahead of me (and wake myself up a little more), I slide into my car.

The drive is quiet; the roads are empty and all I hear is the sound of my music playing in the background. This moment of peace is one of the (few) benefits of waking up this early. There is a sense of serenity driving down empty roads, the sky still dark, not yet illuminated by the sun. I may be driving towards the ice rink, a place full of bright lights, sounds and expectations, but in these 20 short minutes, it is quiet.

I've always been called loud. My voice can be heard across rooms, through walls, permeating through the air. I laugh easily and talk even easier. Excitement causes my voice to have a mind of its own, words falling out of my mouth in quick succession. Even skating is dependent on sound, with my role being to perform according to my music. My life is defined by sound: When it's not filled with the sound of my own voice, it's filled with the sounds of others or music blasting through my headphones. It seems like there are rarely any moments of true silence in my life, but during this short 20-minute drive to the rink, my life quiets.

In an all-too-hectic world, it is often hard to justify taking a break. It feels out of place in such a fast-paced society. I'm often left feeling like the world is pushing me to match the constant movement it's experiencing, allotting no time for silence or breaks, lest it leaves me behind.

But during these slow, early morning drives, I'm reminded to admire the beauty in the quiet and to enjoy the peace that comes with stillness. And while it may be my still half-asleep self talking, in these early mornings I am no longer burdened by the stresses and fears that normally weigh me down. I find myself simply existing in the world.

My friends will think it's ironic that I am writing an essay about quiet when I am so rarely it, but quiet isn't necessarily just the absence of sound. Quiet is the calm right before my music starts at competitions. It's the world turning around me during a spin and the minute my blade lands back on ice after a jump. It's the moment the sun starts to rise after an all-nighter. Quiet is the 20-minute drive to the rink. And so, I believe that quiet is everywhere – you just have to allow yourself to slow down enough to recognize it.

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Karen Ackerman Witter

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West Bridgewater Public Library

"Keys to the past… Gateway to the future"

This I Believe Essay Contest 2020

This summer we invited teens ages 12 – 19 to write a concise statement describing a belief or value that they hold dear and how they came to own this value.

For examples of this kind of essay, read some of the prize-winning essays on this web site:

https://thisibelieve.org/essays/featured/

Here are some helpful guideline on writing a winning essay in this category:

https://thisibelieve.org/guidelines/

Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.    Essays are due on Friday, August 21st at 5 p.m.

Send to: [email protected]   Subject: “Essay contest entry”

Winners will be announced on Friday, August 28th.

For more information, contact Library Director, Ellen Snoeyenbos: [email protected]

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This I Believe: The Cadets’ Essay Contest – Part 1

Drum corps members and fans bare their beliefs in essays and on the field.

In February, The Cadets were asked by Director George Hopkins to bare their beliefs. As part of the member’s experience, they were asked to share what they believe. What values were central? What makes a difference for the young adults who are Cadets? Once written, their close-held thoughts and values that guide them through life could ultimately end up as part of the corps’ 2007 field program, “This I Believe.”

Today, as The Cadets Move-In for Spring Training at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va., we now begin to share what these 135 dynamic individuals use as their guiding principles. Even more exciting, the four weeks of intense rehearsals leading into the summer tour also signal the launch of The Cadets’ “This I Believe” Essay Contest, where fans, supporters and their families can open up the dialogue to what they personally believe.

Submit your essay on the values you hold dear—what beliefs carry you through life today—and your winning essay could lead to you being invited to enter the field as part of the classic Cadets’ ‘block’ during one of 33 performances this summer.

A new essay winner will take the field with The Cadets every time the corps performs their return-to-tradition program, “This I Believe.” The first winner will join the corps for their debut DCI competition on June 16 in Annapolis, Md.

First Year Cadet Benjamin M. Rauhala believes in strong, confident choices that led him to realizing his dream of marching in the corps he’s admired for so long:

I believe that we dream by instinct and achieve by choice. I am not an extraordinary person, but I dream extraordinary dreams and I am willing to make choices.

I spent three summers touring with a Division II drum corps pit before I joined The Cadets. In Arkansas, during my first summer I had my first truly fantastic show. The crowd was sensational and I felt myself grow as a performer with the power of the reaction. The rush was absolutely extraordinary, and one of the judges commented that my section performed “ like a certain team in Maroon and Gold. ” I did not know what the comment meant until I saw The Cadets pit perform for the first time. I was enraptured by their charismatic and virtuosi performances. I dreamed of one day being at that level, and from that day forward when I was playing my best, I was playing like a Cadet.

I chose to become a Cadet. I did not only choose to audition, I chose to do everything in my power to become what I dreamed of. I chose to practice instead of going out at night. I chose to prepare on the weekends instead of resting. I chose to spend my winter break fixing my technique. I chose to go to the audition with the best attitude I could. I chose to ask questions when I did not understand. I chose to write down every comment that was given to me. I chose to focus on my dream.

When decision time came around, I was chosen to be a Cadet.

I may not be an extraordinary person, but I did something extraordinary — I achieved a dream by choice. I am exhilarated by all of my dreams of my days to come with The Cadets and I can tell you with certainty that I am fiercely proud to be a part of that certain team in Maroon and Gold.

The Cadets believe in something special. Do you? Put the proverbial pen to paper and begin to share what is important enough to guide you through life.

For the corps now putting “This I Believe” together on a West Virginia practice field, the values and lessons learned while in drum corps will come to life through music, visuals and voice. “This I Believe” will share why the drum corps experience is one worth living.

“The program uses narrative as a thread, tying together all musical and visual contributions to form a musical memorandum that makes clear the experience youth and adults enjoy through their summers of travel, performance and camaraderie,” said Hopkins in a recent program description. “Voice is integral to design in “This I Believe,” incorporated within the blueprint, not as an overlay, but as an implement for communication, an additional instrument.”

Need more inspiration for your essay?

The Cadets were inspired for their 2007 program by the “This I Believe” national media project that engages millions of people to write, share and discuss core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. National Public Radio has aired these essays on its news programs “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”

The program is based on a 1950s radio program hosted by acclaimed journalist Edward R. Murrow. In creating “This I Believe,” Murrow said the program sought “to point to the common meeting grounds of beliefs, which is the essence of brotherhood and the floor to our civilization.”

Take a look at what people across the globe believe by visiting www.thisibelieve.org.

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Caryn goebel.

Caryn Goebel is a marketing associate at Youth Education in the Arts, an Allentown, Pa.-based organization, providing programs that allow thousands of talented performers to participate in pageantry events around the continent.

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2024 2024: UMassD Believes essay contest winners announced

The Corsair tradition highlights the narratives of incoming first-year students as they embark on their collegiate journey

UMass Dartmouth recently announced the winners of the UMassD Believes Provost Writing Contest. Modeled after NPR's This I Believe, the contest recognizes four notable incoming students for their 500-word belief statements about what matters most to them. The incoming Class of 2028 wrote blog posts and engaged with each other through thousands of comments that allowed students to reflect on themselves, learn about and from one another, and join the conversation about student life at UMassD. 

Students could submit their belief statements to be judged in a competitive, anonymous review selection process. The following students received the honor of having their essays selected for first, second, and third place, respectively:

First place - "A World of Success" by Anna Sturdahl

First-year Chemistry student from Warwick, Rhode Island

"I learned that hard work is truly the stepping stone and backbone of success. It doesn't matter what your strong suits are, or what your last name is. It doesn't even matter if you grew up as a so-called "gifted student," In the end, hard work and ambition are the deciding factors of success."

Second place - "Guilt & Religion" by Grace Kelley

First-year Illustration student from Lebanon, Connecticut 

"When people live in guilt, not only do they destroy their own lives a little at a time, but they also continue the stupid game of telephone that Christianity has become subject to. Religion isn't supposed to hurt, and I'm done putting myself through hell to become worthy of heaven."

Third place - " Beneath the Surface" by Shae-Ann Millett

First-year Nursing student from Taunton, Massachusetts

"I want to share and hopefully change this belief that foster care youth are bad, because most of us are not. Help us thrive among others, and encourage us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, even under the extenuating circumstances we didn't ask to be placed upon us."

UMassD Believes, formerly titled This We Believe, began in 2015 by Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to engage new students in UMass Dartmouth's values. Professor Meghan J. Fair has run the program since 2016.

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Review by Jennifer S. , Common Sense Education | Updated May 2014

This I Believe

Long-running radio show, curriculum help students explore core values

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Arts, Digital Citizenship, English Language Arts, Relationships & Communication, Social & Emotional Learning

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Pros : Students are engaged on a personal level as they develop Common Core-aligned literacy skills.

Cons : Modifications may be necessary to help ELLs and other struggling readers and writers access the essays and lessons.

Bottom Line : These meaningful, personal stories help strengthen kids' writing skills through a close examination of their values and experiences.

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There are a lot of ways you can use This I Believe in your classroom. It would be wise to take some time to explore both the site and the curriculum guides -- decide what's a good fit for your students as well as your teaching style. Some students may find it challenging to explore their values in a school setting; some could be reluctant to share experiences they might feel to be too personal. Before starting, it's a good idea to help prep your students on responsible ways to share and communicate with each other about personal topics and beliefs.

Students will likely benefit from going through the entire lesson sequence provided. In addition to an exploration of personal beliefs, they'll get practice developing some specific writing skills. For example, the handout on composing an effective lead helps students overcome some of the challenges of getting started with the writing process. Teachers might want to promote the program as a schoolwide activity, whether for common assessment, an essay contest, or purely for its own intrinsic value.

The This I Believe website is a companion to the book and radio series of the same name, all of which focus on the writing, sharing, and discussing of people's core beliefs through short personal essays. The site offers background information on the project, as well as featured essays (in both print and audio format).  Educator resources on the site include a set of paid curriculum guides for middle school, high school, college, and life-long learners. 

Each guide includes a series of lessons that explore the concept of belief and help kids uncover their own personal values. As a culminating activity, students incorporate their work into a specific This I Believe - style  personal essay. The site also has posters and brochures to help teachers promote the assignments and activities. Though students are no longer encouraged to submit their essays to the site for review, the site still provides essay writing suggestions.

Students often lament the lack of connection between what they learn in class and the realities of their individual lives and experiences. This almost surely won't be the case, however, with a resource like This I Believe. The lessons here encourage students' engagement by asking them to focus and reflect on their personal experiences, and this allows for a great deal of creativity in the writing process. In one pre-writing activity called "What Do You Think?," students share their opinions on a list of belief statements such as "Life is long" or "Miracles do happen."

The curriculum guides offer great materials to support teachers as they implement a variety of reading and writing lessons. A variety of instructional strategies are offered, each geared toward different learning styles. Students might work in groups, participate in a four-corners activity, complete a quick write, or design a poster. While the lessons come with clear instructions and the final essay is quite structured, teachers could easily adapt the assignments to meet their individual classroom needs. Teachers should be prepared to address the fact that their students are likely to hold and share a variety of values and beliefs -- at times, the program prompts kids to address challenging ideas and issues head-on.

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A focus on values, beliefs, and life experiences brings personal relevance to students' writing. The instructional activities should pique students' interest and encourage self-exploration.

Lessons and content are age-appropriate and include detailed procedures with all of the required materials. Pre-writing activities help students develop and craft their own personal-belief essay.

Educator resources include curricula, brochures and posters for the classroom, essay writing suggestions, lists of the top essays, examples of use in common reading programs, and a FAQ.

A great source for essays on values.

This is always one of my favorite essays of the year. I learn so much about my students right off the bat, and the sheer variety of essays available here helps them to see that the five-paragraph essay is only one of many, many possible forms. The essays on this website serve as a bridge to greater freedom of expression. They also help students understand how crucial values are as we are confronted with important decisions in life. As a teaching tool, I find this website easy to navigate, and the wide array of topics ensure that my students will find something that speaks to them. In particular, I like that I can download individual audio files, as I've had a few lessons hindered by internet problems. One final note: I've had a number of students submit their essays to the site, and all have been accepted for their archives. I don't know if that's because my students wrote great essays, or they are just very accommodating. However, the resulting ego boost for my students was quite motivating.

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#UMassDBelieves + The  National “This I Believe” Project

#UMassDBelieves was inspired by the acclaimed 2004-2009 National Public Radio (NPR) series “This I Believe,” which featured essays from diverse contributors, including novelist Amy Tan and boxing hero Muhammad Ali . You are joining a long tradition, one that we adopted at UMassD back in 2015!

NPR’s This I Believe engaged listeners in a discussion of the core beliefs that guide their daily lives. We heard from people of all walks of life — the very young and the very old, the famous and the previously unknown, Nobel laureates, teachers, prison inmates, students, politicians, farmers, poets, entrepreneurs, activists and executives.¹

#UMASSDBELIEVES   | An Introduction to the college conversation

In college you will be writing more than you ever have before. You will write for classes both in and out of your major– not just in your English classes.  As a college student, you will not only learn to write, but you will write to learn.

Through writing, you will become a part of the UMassD Community.

Holding onto, developing, changing and questioning your values is an important part of your university education; these experiences will inform many of the choices you make here, including your major, extra-curricular activities, time management—even your friendships. The #UMassDBelieves  project is an opportunity to explore and examine the values and experiences that make you, you! And in four years, you’ll be able to look back at what you’ve posted here.

• Visit the Directions for Writing  page when you’re ready to begin.
• Check out the contributions by famous figures highlighted below.

THIS I BELIEVE NEW ENGLAND– TRUTHS ABOUT RACISM | April 6th, 2021

“There is no denying that the subject of race is in the air. Black Lives Matter. Police-community relations. Racial tension. Race is now at the center of both public and private discourse. Robert Greer shares his poignant first-person reflections on the meaning of race in our lives. Robert Greer comes to us from Fall River Massachusetts. He works in New Bedford with children on the spectrum for autism.”

Listen Here

The Public’s Radio · This I Believe – Robert Greer

SAYING THANKS TO MY GHOSTS | AMY TAN |  April 26th, 2009

“Novelist Amy Tan hasn’t always believed in ghosts, but as a writer she’s had too many inspirations that she can’t fully explain. Now, Tan embraces her belief in ghosts and the messages of joy, love and peace they bring her.” 

“I AM STILL THE GREATEST” | MUHAMMAD ALI | APRIL 6TH, 2009

“To be the “Greatest of All Time,” boxing legend Muhammad Ali says you have to believe in yourself. It’s a lesson his parents taught him and it has helped him in fighting Parkinson’s disease.”

Acknowledgements:

With thanks to NPR.org and Pat Boyd Photography

¹ https://www.npr.org/2009/04/27/103427272/celebrating-four-years-of-this-i-believe

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15 Other Ways to Say “I Believe” in an Essay

Marcus Froland

August 24, 2024

Writing essays can be tricky, especially when it comes to expressing your opinions. Many students often overuse the phrase “I believe” in their papers. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less professional. Luckily, there are many other ways to share your thoughts and ideas in an essay.

Using different phrases can make your writing more interesting and show that you have a good grasp of language. It can also help you sound more confident in your arguments. This list will give you some great alternatives to “I believe” that you can use in your next essay. These options will help you express your views clearly and effectively, making your writing stronger overall.

1. In my opinion

Using “In my opinion” is a clear way to express your thoughts and make it known that what follows is your viewpoint. It’s like drawing a line in the sand; on one side are the facts, and on the other is your perspective. This phrase helps you present your thoughts without coming across as overbearing.

For instance, when discussing a novel, you might say, “In my opinion, the protagonist’s development was the most compelling part of the story.” This lets your readers understand that you are sharing a personal insight rather than stating a universally accepted truth. When you are analyzing evidence and need to insert your viewpoint, “In my opinion” provides the necessary framework to introduce your analysis.

Using this phrase can give your essay a personal touch while still keeping it professional. It shows you have put thought into your position and are not asserting it as the only way to view the topic.

2. I contend that

When you say “I contend that,” you’re stating your position with conviction. It’s a formal way of expressing belief, suggesting that you took the time to think about and support your opinion. Use it when you’re ready to stand firm on a particular point.

For example, you might write, “I contend that the proposed solution will significantly improve efficiency.” This shows you’re not just believing something to be true, you’re arguing for it with reason. It’s common in academic writing, where asserting your stance clearly is vital to making a strong argument.

3. From my perspective

When you’re expressing personal insights or views in your essay, the phrase “from my perspective” is a suitable alternative to “I believe.” This expression underscores that you are presenting your own viewpoint rather than stating an absolute fact. Using “from my perspective” allows you to share your stance with confidence while maintaining a sense of respect for possible alternative opinions.

For example, in discussing a literary work, you might write, “From my perspective, the protagonist’s actions are driven by a desire for acceptance rather than greed.” Or in a scientific discussion, you could say, “From my perspective, the experiment’s results suggest a need for further investigation into the cause of the anomaly.” This phrase adeptly positions your take on the matter at hand as a personal interpretation which invites readers to consider your angle without asserting it as the sole possible interpretation.

4. I am confident

When you’re writing an essay and want to present your belief strongly, you might use the phrase “I am confident.” This statement is a powerful alternative to “I believe” and shows a high level of certainty about your position. For instance, instead of writing, “I believe our city should invest more in renewable energy,” you could say, “I am confident that investing in renewable energy is essential for our city’s future.”

Using “I am confident” in your writing can make your argument sound firm. This can be particularly effective when you’re discussing evidence-based conclusions or when you wish to highlight the solid basis of your claims. However, ensure that you use this phrase when your argument is robust and you have the necessary support to back up your confidence.

5. I am convinced that

When you’re certain about your position on a topic, stating “I am convinced that” adds weight to your argument. This phrase suggests that you have thought deeply and arrived at a firm conclusion. In essay writing, it can strengthen your statements and show strong commitment to your view.

For example, if you’re discussing the benefits of renewable energy, you might write, “I am convinced that transitioning to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.” This indicates a high level of certainty and can persuade your reader to consider your viewpoint seriously.

It’s especially effective when you have evidence to back up your claim. So when you possess strong, supportive information, employ “I am convinced that” to demonstrate your confidence in your stance.

6. I am of the opinion that

“I am of the opinion that” is a formal way to express your thoughts in writing. Using this phrase, you present your viewpoint as considered and reflective rather than immediate and reactive. When you say “I am of the opinion that,” it suggests you have given the topic thoughtful consideration.

For instance, in an essay discussing environmental policies, you might write, “I am of the opinion that renewable energy sources are essential for sustainable development.” This gives your argument weight and shows that you are not claiming absolute certainty but have a well-thought-out stance.

You can also use it in more subjective discussions. Let’s say your essay analyzes a piece of literature; you could write, “I am of the opinion that the protagonist’s actions symbolize the author’s critique of society.” By choosing this phrase, your analysis is presented as one possible interpretation, inviting readers to consider your perspective.

7. This Suggests

The phrase “this suggests” is a subtle way to present your ideas. When you use it in your essay, you imply that the evidence or facts lead to a certain conclusion. This expression is especially useful when you want to propose an idea without stating it outright. For example, if you’re discussing data in a research paper, you might say, “The rapid increase in temperature this suggests a strong link to human activity.” Here, you’re hinting at a cause without directly saying “I believe.”

By using “this suggests,” you also invite your readers to consider the evidence and follow your line of thinking. This can create a sense of engagement, as you’re guiding them to make connections themselves. For instance, “This suggests that implementing the policy could have beneficial outcomes” is a gentle way of recommending a course of action based on the analysis you’ve provided.

8. I have no doubt that

When you’re sure about something and want to express it strongly in your writing, “I have no doubt that” is a powerful way to do so. This phrase leaves little room for question and indicates a high level of confidence in your statement. For instance, instead of merely suggesting, “I believe teamwork leads to success,” you could assert, “I have no doubt that teamwork is the key to success.” This not only strengthens your position but also impresses upon your reader the certainty with which you view the topic.

Using “I have no doubt that” also implies that you’ve considered the evidence or have enough expertise on the subject to make such an unequivocal statement. You might tell your readers, “I have no doubt that regular exercise improves mental health,” indicating a trust in the available information or research on the matter. In essays or any form of academic writing, such definitive language can be particularly effective when you want to make your argument seem more persuasive.

9. I stand by the belief

When you use “I stand by the belief,” you are clearly expressing a firm conviction in your position. It’s a strong stance that shows you aren’t just suggesting a possibility—you’re committed to it. Use this phrase when you’re confident about the information you’re presenting and are prepared to support it with facts and reasoning.

For example, in a discussion about environmental policies, you might write, “I stand by the belief that renewable energy sources are key to addressing climate change effectively.” This tells your reader that you have a deep and unwavering confidence in your viewpoint. Whether you are writing essays, reports, or editorials, employing this phrase underscores your steadfast standpoint without sounding aggressive. It’s especially useful in formal writing when you need to assert your opinion with conviction.

10. From my standpoint

When you use “From my standpoint,” you’re inviting your readers to see a situation or opinion from your perspective. This phrase suggests you have a unique or specific position on the topic. For example, in discussing a book, you might say, “From my standpoint, the protagonist’s actions are justifiable given the circumstances.” Or, in an argument about policy, you could write, “From my standpoint, the proposed measures will benefit the economy.”

This phrase also allows you to express your opinion without sounding too personal or biased. It gives the impression that you’ve considered the issue carefully and are presenting an angle that reflects your thoughtful analysis. Use it when you want to assert your viewpoint with confidence while still leaving room for others to share their perspectives.

It is my viewpoint that

When you wish to express a personal opinion in an essay, using “it is my viewpoint that” is a clear and formal way to do so. This phrase helps you present your opinions as considered judgments rather than just feelings. It adds a level of professionalism to your statement and can make your argument feel stronger.

Consider these examples to understand how to use this phrase:

• “It is my viewpoint that the proposed solution will not effectively address the issue at hand.”
• “Regarding the debate on climate change, it is my viewpoint that urgent action is necessary.”

Use this phrase when you’re about to introduce evidence or reasoning backing up your opinion. It tells the reader that you’ve thought about your stance and you’re ready to support it with facts.

12. I support the idea

When you want to show agreement with a particular point or concept in your essay, using the phrase “I support the idea” is a solid choice. This statement is assertive and expresses your backing for the concept without appearing imposing.

Using this phrase can be particularly effective when discussing theories or proposals that you find convincing. For example, you might write, “I support the idea that education should be accessible to everyone,” to affirm your stance on educational equality.

It’s also useful in debates or argumentative essays. If you’re aligning with a perspective presented by another author or a well-known theory, you could say, “I support the idea as argued by Smith,” which links your argument to an authoritative source.

This expression helps maintain a formal tone while clearly stating your agreement. It signals to your readers that you have considered the arguments and are endorsing a certain viewpoint.

13. I am of the view

When you want to express your opinion in a slightly formal and thoughtful way, use the phrase “I am of the view.” This expression suggests that you have considered the topic thoroughly and have formed a perspective. It’s a respectful way to share what you think without sounding too personal or casual.

For example, in a business setting, you might write, “I am of the view that this strategy will improve our market position.” In an academic essay, you could say, “Based on the evidence, I am of the view that this theory holds merit.” It’s a suitable choice for written communications where you wish to present your thoughts with a degree of professionalism and seriousness.

14. It is my perspective that

When you need to express your opinion in your writing, using “It is my perspective that” is an effective way to do it. This phrase helps you share your viewpoints clearly without sounding too informal or personal. You show the reader that you have thought about the topic and you have a particular angle or viewpoint on it.

For example, in a discussion on environmental policies, you might write, “It is my perspective that more stringent regulations are necessary to protect natural habitats.” This expression is especially useful when you wish to sound professional and academic. You put emphasis on the fact that what follows is your reasoned thought, based on your analysis or interpretation of the information. Use this phrase when you want to be taken seriously and demonstrate that your view is backed by careful consideration.

15. It seems to me that

When you use “It seems to me that,” you’re suggesting a point of view in a manner that’s open to discussion. This phrase softens your statement, implying that you’re presenting your perspective thoughtfully without asserting it as the absolute truth. For instance, if discussing a character’s motives in a book, you might write, “It seems to me that the protagonist’s actions are motivated more by fear than by malice.”

This phrase is handy when analyzing situations with many possible interpretations. In a research paper, you could use it to introduce an educated presumption by writing, “It seems to me that the results indicate a need for further study.”

By starting your sentence with “It seems to me that,” you invite others to consider your point of view while acknowledging that there may be other valid perspectives.

These alternative phrases can greatly improve your essay writing. They allow you to express your views more clearly and with more variety. Using different words to say “I believe” helps you avoid repeating yourself and keeps your writing fresh. It also shows that you’ve thought carefully about your ideas.

By choosing the right phrase, you can make your points stronger and more convincing. Remember, good writing is about communicating your thoughts effectively. These alternatives give you more tools to do just that. Next time you’re writing an essay, try using some of these phrases instead of “I believe.” You might be surprised at how much they can boost the quality of your work.

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