houston public radio

High School students from the Greater Houston Area are invited to submit essays about their personal philosophies and the core values and beliefs that guide them daily. Three winners will receive a $500 US savings bond, a laptop computer and the opportunity to visit KUHF's studio to record their essays for the This I Believe broadcast hosted by Paul Pendergraft.

Hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow on CBS Radio, the original 1950s This I Believe radio program invited Americans from all walks of life to stand up for their beliefs - in order to resist the "cloud of fear" that was beginning to envelop them in an "age of confusion." Today's youth live in equally challenging times. All around them, national, religious, and cultural barriers are breaking down. Identities and beliefs are constantly being tested. Now more than ever, we need to ask ourselves,

"What do I believe?"

This I Believe
Essay Writing Tips

We invite you to contribute to this project by writing and submitting your own statement of personal belief. To guide you through this process, we offer these suggestions:

Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching — it can even be funny — but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That's about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace.
Name your belief: If you can't name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because three minutes is a very short time.
Be positive: Avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don't believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial "we." Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.
Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.

For this project, we are also guided by the original series producers of This I Believe in the 1950s. Their advice holds up well and we are abiding by it. Please consider it carefully in writing your piece.

Who is Eligible?
All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools.

Format
The essay should be 300-500 words typed.

Entering
Contestants can enter the contest through KUHF's website here by submitting an essay and also completing the required online form.

Awards
3 selected winners will receive the following prizes:

Invitation to March 2009 Awards Ceremony
A $500 US Savings Bond
One Compaq Presario Widescreen Notebook
The opportunity to visit KUHF's studio and record their essay for broadcast.

Entry Deadline
All entries should be submitted through the website by midnight March 1, 2009.

This I Believe in the Classroom
KUHF is pleased to offer educators the following free educational tools for the classroom:

Questions
For further information please contact one of our KUHF Essay Contest Coordinators:
Elizabeth Bailey: ebailey@kuhf.org
Meghan Hendley: mhendley@kuhf.org

Click here for the Complete Official Rules