OMG…I Won!!!!

Wow. Floored.

. . .

A few weeks back I happened across a writing contest on the school's main website. I was immediately attracted to it because the theme for the contest was around healing. (If you haven't gathered from all of my other entries, my dissertation topic has to do with African American adolescent's beliefs on trauma and healing.)

Well, it was coming down to the wire and, of course, I hand't written a thing. The deadline was March 28th, and as of the 26th, I had nothing.

Giving up would have been easy at that point, but there was something nagging at me to push through and make something happen.

So, at the last minute, on March 28th I submitted a poem.

. . .

Since that day the contest has been on my mind. I knew that a decision about the contest winners would be delivered in just a matter of weeks, so I waited in hopeful anticipation of good news.

I checked the website a few times this morning, but no results.

5pm…still nothing.


Well, just about 10 minutes ago I almost fainted.

After clicking on the link to the main website for the contest, I noticed that winners were listed.

I quickly saw the name of the first place winner. . .didn't start with a "Z".

Second place winner . . .a Howard student, but still not me.

And then, as I was preparing to give myself the speech about being proud of myself for entering anyway, I noticed that the name of the third place winner looked VERY familiar. It read:

"Third Place Prize: $250…"

And then I lost it.
OOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGG, THAT'S THE TITLE OF MY POEM. . .AND THAT'S MY NAME NEXT TO IT!!!!!!!!
I……WON!!!!!!!

I was truly overcome with joy. It felt like engagement night ALL over again. I fell speechless and near tears.

I'm grateful, humbled, and proud.

Creator, thank you for sending encouragement right on time.

Thank You.

Check out the contest here: www.tucksonhealthconnections.com/healing-stories-creative-writing-contest/