Wiley launches annual student essay contest

What would you tell a new student about life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?

What wisdom have you gleaned from a new experience, taking a risk or meeting someone different from yourself?

What mistakes have you made that others can avoid?

Chancellor John D. Wiley is again asking students to write an essay about their life at the university, with the winner being given the opportunity to address 5,500 new students from the floor of the Kohl Center at the Chancellor’s Convocation on Aug. 31.

To enter, email your essay to chancellor@news.wisc.edu. Be sure to include your name, year in school, major and hometown. Please limit essays to less than 1,000 words. The deadline for submissions is April 25.

As a bookend to commencement, the convocation inaugurates students into the campus community as they begin their studies. Students are encouraged to write on any topic that they feel is important to communicate to students in their first week on campus.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to, opportunities for leadership and involvement, student organizations, housing, campus climate, diversity, academic life, athletics, shared governance, Greek life, learning communities, or the Wisconsin Union.

“Tell me what you think is important,” Wiley says. “I want to know the best thing you know about living here. I’m especially interested in hearing about experiences that you’ve had stepping outside your comfort zone and meeting someone from a different, race, background or ethnicity. ”

The contest winner in 2006, senior Holly Bertera of Cottage Grove, modeled her speech around the advice she has given her freshman sister. Bertera wrote that the secret of being a first-year student is realizing that your entire life has changed and you have the freedom to redefine yourself.

The chance to write and deliver a speech to new students is one of the highlights of her undergraduate career and far more than a resume builder, Bertera says.

“The feedback I have received since my speech in September has been amazing,” she says. “Not many people will have the opportunity to stand up in front of their family, friends, and 5,000 strangers to pour their heart out.”

“I am always flattered when people come up to me to talk about it; it makes me feel like I reached them in some small way,” she adds. “Delivering my essay at the Convocation ceremony was the experience of a lifetime, and one of my proudest moments.”

A group of finalists will be selected by Bertera, student employees and staff members in the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. Wiley plans to personally select the best essay from among the finalists.

The winner will meet Wiley, Dean of Students Lori Berquam and Madison city officials. All finalists will have their work posted online for the campus community to view.