Personal Essay Competition Winners Announced!

"What a pleasure…I just wanted to say that it was a joy to read the work. What hope and promise," said Guest Judge Lidia Yuknavitch. Our Personal Essay Competition received an extraordinary array of submissions, and the winners have blown us all away with their gentle narratives and impactful messages. Read on to discover the pieces and names behind the grand prize, plus read Lidia Yuknavitch's glowing commentary.  

Please note: Winning and finalist pieces on the site are now publicly viewable!

WINNER:

“The Leak in Shop 2, Abule Oja, Lagos,” by Soul of a Misfit (Nigeria), age 15

This story is a phenomenal exploration of the heart of the matter, in terms of identity and self. The writing is dynamic in scene and the language is stunning. Descriptions around mastering the art of disappearing were vivid and carried such deep specificity — I bawled. But too I could feel the strength accumulating even as the narrator has to travel through shame. 

One profound strength to this story is the juxtaposition of raw emotion with achingly gorgeous descriptions. Lines like: “the low electric buzz of his barber’s clippers and the soft gossip-laughter of the women behind him.” Or, equally dazzling in truth and beauty: “Not just seeing it, but letting it stain my imagination. I could appreciate the smooth lather of lotion on clean skin and the pastel pink of my younger sister’s Sunday shoes. At that time, I could appreciate beauty plainly, without needing to explain it through the lens of manhood.” This combination of artful up against the edges of gender and identity.

The ending of the piece stands up to all who would erase this perfect person. A reclamation.

RUNNER-UP:

“Guess Who Got Big?” by Diep Nguyen (Vietnam), age 17

I very much loved the way the storytelling shape shifts in this piece. The inclusion of the "Entries" create a narrative dynamic that circles back around to illuminate important realizations for the speaker. I also admire the way the narrator discovers that her own evidence shows her something much bigger than the original feeling that motivated the anger, and how that anger almost blooms into action and compassion and wisdom. 

Sometimes a writer can capture an epic transformation in the space of a single sentence — which is exactly what happens on the page in this story: “Maybe it is time to let go. Instead of staying stuck in that spiral, waging a one-woman war against ‘big’ and demanding it confess its crimes, why not just do big things? Why not redefine it on my terms?” 

A true pleasure to read.  

BEST PEER REVIEW:

“contents of a shoebox,” reviewed by green_t (Australia), age 15

The peer reviewer here beautifully represented their reading experience by using deep specificity about the work. They remained generative in their representations of narrative opportunities that might be left in the piece. The passion with which they read is matched only by the respect they show the author's work. Truly collaborative feedback. Any group would find itself lucky to include you. 

PIECE FINALISTS:

“Where’d the ball go?” by wingsonthegrill (Canada)

The clarity of the realization and the lushness of details create a powerful reading experience. The layers of meaning emerge through description and experience. Beautiful. 

“Becoming.” by Farzona (Uzbekistan)

What a glorious journey toward self realization. The voice is strong and beautiful, defiant, courageous, and full of heart and promise. 

“The View from the Balcony,” by luckystars (United States)

Phenomenal descriptions around family, class, loss, love. The details of dailiness are magnificent. 

“The Maxim,” by Meryl Wittmer (United States)

The writing is both deep in its exploration of family relationships and the emergence of a strong narrative voice and soul. 

“Who Prays for the Queer?” by Auden Woodlark (Norway)

A beautiful layering of image and thought — the central metaphors and the questions around prayer and faith are powerfully represented. 

“My Kind of Normal,” by Arti (United States)

I have to say the way the writing, voice, and tone in this piece mimic the actual experiences and descriptions of actions and memory is STUNNING. I hope you keep writing. I can see that you have an intuitive sense of the relationship between form and content (and voice). My best to you.

PEER REVIEW FINALIST:

“The Story I Didn’t Know I Had,” reviewed by Srini C. (United States)