Literary contest experience

Left to right: Isabel (me), Francellys, Kiara and Alondra

My experience attending the 51^st annual 2018 literary contest: “Crisis Islands Resistance, Recovery and Reconstruction” was amazing; honestly one of the best activities I’ve gone to at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. When I arrived with my mother, who was really excited to go, we saw a great spread at the buffet lunch right outside the Amphitheatre. Performers Enrique Olivares and Michael Cucher were outside, playing the guitar and singing some classic songs. I met up with my classmates and friends, Alondra, Kiara, Francellys and Ángela. I was so glad they came to the activity to support Ángela and I, because we won first and second place, respectively, in the Essay category. 

One thing I really appreciated was the punctuality. At 11:30am, they started to let us in to sign the attendance and take our place. I was surprised to see so many professors there because, in other activities I have attended at UPR, there’s a lack of representation from the specific Department and the University’s administration. So, when the ceremony began and after the opening remarks, the guest speaker, Elidio La Torre Lagares gave an amazing inspirational speech. He spoke about the importance of writing, speaking our truth and being authentic to who we are. This spoke to me on an emotional level, as I have gone through many things during my life, and writing had always been my escape, but I kind of fell out of it. Making this transition to get back into writing has been arduous yet satisfying. 

When handing out the awards in each category, they called up the honorable mentions and, then they called the first three place winners, so each of them could receive their prize and give an excerpt of their piece. The winning pieces of the mini saga were mysterious, whereas the poetry pieces were very passionate. Afterwards, it was my turn to read my essay along with the Essay category winners. People kept asking me if I was nervous, and I actually wasn’t. I was very enthusiastic to share my essay, as I felt like it, coincidentally, went along with the Award Ceremony’s theme. You can read my essay, Proud to be Puerto Rican, here on my blog. It was genuinely so great to share my voice with the audience and I felt right at home. Then came the short stories category, with pieces that were really captivating. 

At the end of the ceremony, a professor spoke beautifully during the closing remarks, explaining how it’s been a rough year for all of us. And he spoke directly to the students: “We hear you and we see you”, which was so heartwarming to hear. Overall, it was a wonderful activity: so well organized and punctual, uplifting, and a great environment. I wish more opportunities like this come my way to explore my wandering mind. 

  

Left to right: Kiara, Francellys, Alondra, Isabel (me) and Angela