This first essay was written for the “This I Believe” series, and ultimately the author William Wissemann submitted it as a college essay to Bard College:

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=94566019&m=94603503

There are also several other student essays at NPR. This slightly older series has five student essays that you should listen to. Notice that in all of these—though very different—capture the student’s personality and voice. Being you in your essay is one of the best things you can do.

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/mar/010326.essays.html