2022-2023 Staff Essay Contest

Dec. 1, 2022

On December 1, 2022, John Weeren, program director, Princeton Writes, emailed all staff the following:

On behalf of the Selection Committee, I warmly invite you to enter Princeton’s ninth annual staff essay contest, designed to encourage and recognize clear, creative, and compelling writing. The contest is open to all regular members of the academic professional, administrative, and support staffs.

This year, we ask you to answer the following question: How, in little ways or great, do you cultivate joy in your life?

To be considered, essays should be between 750 and 1,250 words and must be submitted to [email protected] on or before March 1, 2023. The Selection Committee will award one prize of $1,200 and up to three honorable mentions. Our honorees — and all contestants — will be recognized at a celebratory reception in the spring, and the winning essays will be printed in booklet form and posted online for others to enjoy.

For contest details, and to read the essays of previous winners, please visit Princeton Writeswebsite. We are also happy to respond to any questions you may have.

Whether or not you regard yourself as a “writer,” I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to express yourself outside the confines of day-to-day communication. Each of us has a story to tell!