In the course of my college career, I can truly attest to the fact that writing and the ability to skilfully express yourself in words is essential in every aspect of one's life whether it be personal, professional, or academic. The basis for my writing success stems from strong high school English teachers, who forced me to think critically as a writer, rather than simply scratching the surface.

As a student at the University of Mississippi, I am enrolled in a variety of classes which force me to write in several different styles. In my public policy classes, I generally write research based papers or analysis or research based articles. English classes, require a more traditional style of writing such as personal narratives, or argumentative essays. In African American Studies, I do a more historical based style of writing, in which I take certain historical themes or ideas and relate them to present day. Even though those are all very different styles of writing, I feel that I am strong in each category because I know the basics such as how to do "close readings" from passages in a novel, how to connect literary themes, determining the author's voice and purpose, and basic fundamentals of writing essays.

The National Writing Project equips teachers with the necessary tools to teach the aforementioned skills. As a student who was fortunate enough to have two teachers who were apart of the National Writing Project, I am personally asking that the funds for this project be reinstated. Without the extra training that this wonderful project provides, teachers will have yet another strain placed on them in their pursuit to educate America's youth.

Lauren Wright
University of Mississippi
Public Policy Leadership, Major
Sophomore