Some of the winners of Gallaudet University's 2001 National Essay Contest.
This year's theme was "A Life Turning Point".

"Since I was young, I wanted to be a camp counselor. I went to camp in the sixth grade and treasured every minute of it. I wanted the chance to inspire a group of kids the way my counselors had inspired me..." Click here to read full essay

"Flying down the path, pushing myself to my limits and beyond-- I realize that I have more strength than I think-- I can give the extra push to go a little faster, then faster still." Click here to read full essay

"As a hearing-impaired student since kindergarten, I have always been a good follower who never realized that I also had the qualifications of a leader-- until I attended the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) in Washington, D.C." Click here to read full essay

"In the Mix" video clip: Meet students at the Lexington School for the Deaf