Anna Smolko, a master’s student in the Department of Media and Information, submitted an essay following the prompt, 'A Letter to My Future Self: Reflecting on My Time at MSU,' to the International Student Essay Contest through MSU and was awarded overall best essay, winning $1,000 toward her studies.
What was your undergraduate degree in?
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and social communications.
What is your current specialization/focus area in the Media and Information Master’s program?
I’m focusing on how media and storytelling can be used to communicate effectively with different audiences. I’m especially interested in the psychological factors that shape how messages are received and understood.
What inspired you to enter the contest?
I wanted to share my journey of living and studying at MSU. My undergraduate degree was in journalism, so I’ve always had a passion for writing — especially in my native language. This contest felt like an exciting opportunity to see if my voice and story would resonate in English with an international audience.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing the essay?
The hardest part was expressing everything I wanted to say in a way that was both brief and clear. Balancing depth with simplicity is always a challenge, especially when you’re writing for readers from different cultural backgrounds.
Was this your first time participating in an international writing competition? If not, how was this experience different?
Yes, it was my first time entering an international competition. I had worked as a journalist in Ukraine before, but writing for an international audience is a completely different experience. It challenges you to think more broadly and communicate across cultures, which makes this opportunity even more meaningful.
How did you feel when you found out you won Best Overall Essay?
I was honestly thrilled. It was incredibly validating to know that my perspective, my style and the story I wanted to tell were appreciated.
What do you think made your essay stand out from the other entries?
It’s hard to say for sure, but I believe it was a mix of humor, relatability, and honesty. I tried to share my personal journey in a way that felt real and human.
Do you have any aspirations to continue writing in the future, either professionally or creatively?
Yes, absolutely. I plan to continue once I return to Ukraine — or even sooner, if another opportunity like this arises in the U.S. It’s something I want to keep doing, no matter where I am.
What advice would you give to students who want to enter similar competitions?
Always try. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win on the first attempt. My personal motto is, “The more you try and the more you write, the greater your chances of success.”
What is the biggest lesson you learned from this experience?
I realized that my writing style — something I developed in my native language — can also resonate with an international audience. That gave me confidence and a stronger belief in the power of authentic storytelling.
Will this experience affect/change your future studies and research?
Yes, it already has. It reminded me of the importance of voice, emotion and authenticity in media. I think this will continue to influence both my academic work and any future writing projects.
If your past self were to ask what your favorite memory was at MSU, what would you say?
I’d definitely say this experience, but also the lectures, the coffee hours and so many everyday moments in between. Honestly, there are too many to choose from. I’ve had a really good time here, and I’m grateful for all of it.