Laurie Morden's Winning Entry

My journey begins with a few scattered pieces of paper and a writing utensil, which will, with the help of my right brain, tell the tale of a day in the life of an American teenager. In the letter’s belly will be a mix of anecdotes of glorified peer pressures, superficial fads, innocent crushes, and naïve promises. I use my pen to leave markings that will lead me to a foreign world outside my sheltered and isolated one. It will all start with a simple drop into the mailbox but lead to a perilous trek halfway across the globe.

My letter will have to endure the boundless waters of the Atlantic Ocean, soar across the sweltering Sahara, fight through the tropical jungles of Burma, and survive the typhoons of Vietnam, until arriving at it’s destined location of China. There it will be sashayed into the possession of a young girl about my age named Meilan. If our latitudes were a smidge closer we might not have found each other but by some fluke of fate we did and became pen pals. 

We are so different and yet that has been so beneficial to both of us. With each response we receive we start to change, pointless chatter filled with “OMG’s” and “LOL’s” no longer entertain me. The endless hours at the mall and constant carpel tunnel from texting no longer seem worthy of my time. The difference in culture and in morals brings a contrast to the table that none of my friends from home can compare too.

This mutualistic relationship has grown into a unique learning experience and into a wonderful memory. As I gaze out onto the crevices and contours of the Grand Canyon, I can only wonder if they are as beautiful as Meilan described the Great Wall of China.  Thanks to her, I am aware of a whole new world around me and in more ways than one. I have a whole bunch of opportunities and paths open to me that others may not and vice versa. My ambition has been brought to life and morphed into a hungry creature ready to consume every possible chance given to me.

My international friendship has given birth and nurtured a new part of my soul that thrives for success and adventure. I want to raise my potential to the fullest and make my dreams dance across the faces of those who doubted them. Never have I been introduced to this side of myself who was brought out by my pen pal. Not only do I want to leave my mark on my country but also I want to carve my legacy across the world and onto the souls of millions.  I want to be such a positive influence on this planet that there will be no period in time where the echo of my name will be unknown.