WMU Home > WMU News >

WMU News

Who helped you 'Grab the Reins'?

Oct. 6, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University students have an opportunity to tell their story about the person who was most influential in encouraging them to succeed. All students who enter the Grab the Reins essay contest by the Friday, Oct. 10, deadline will be eligible to win one of several prizes.

"Most of us have a parent, guardian or family member who motivated, inspired and pushed us to succeed. We are inviting students to write a short essay and share how one person made a difference in their lives and contributed to their success," says Shari Glaser, director of parent and family programs, which is sponsoring the essay contest.

Only WMU students are eligible. Entries should be submitted in one of two categories: students, including transfers, who are in their first year at WMU, or returning students.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, sincerity, content and grammar. The top three entries in each category will be awarded prizes, which include a digital camera, digital picture frame and WMU Bookstore gift certificate.

Essays may include some or all of the following:

  • How the person inspired and motivated you
  • How the person influenced your decision to attend college
  • How the person encouraged your choice of career
  • What strengths you draw from the person

Essays should be 400 to 500 words in length. Submit entries as a Microsoft Word e-mail attachment to wmu-parents@wmich.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10.

Winners will be announced the week of Oct. 27, and essays will be read during the WMU Family Weekend Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Send questions to Shari Glaser at shari.glaser@wmich.edu.

Media contact: Tonya R. Hernandez, (269) 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news