Read Adithi’s essay, “Escaping the ‘Other’ Side,” about embracing both her Indian and American roots—and how to get beyond unfriendly stares in public.

Writing Contest

Fall 2017: “Standing Up for Our Neighbors” University Winner Amber Huff

Read Amber’s essay, “To Know Her is to Love Her,” about what she found beneath the hoodie and ink-stained knuckles of a new library visitor.

Writing Contest

Fall 2017: “Standing Up for Our Neighbors” Powerful Voice Winner Alexandria Lutinski

Read Alexandria’s essay, “An Unanswered Cry for Help,” about living her own life after her snow globe world shatters.

Writing Contest

Fall 2017: “Standing Up for Our Neighbors” Powerful Voice Winner Aly Terry

Read Aly’s essay, “Highs and Lows,” about how everyone can support people with bipolar disorder by helping them see not just the ups and downs, but all things beautiful in-between.

Writing Contest

Fall 2017: “Standing Up for Our Neighbors” Powerful Voice Winner Logan Bailey Crews

Read Logan’s essay, “Bringing a Voice Back to Life,” about being pushed to the edge of the skyscraper in his head in the recent past, but focusing now on shattering the stigma

Writing Contest

Fall 2017: “Standing Up for Our Neighbors” Literary Gems

We are consumed by our own grief of childhood left behind and a future shrouded in a mist of endless responsibilities.—Lily Lashmet, grade 8, Odyssey Multiage Program, Bainbridge Island, Wash. I didn’t