A pair of contests is seeking undergraduate students willing to explore and share their Cornell experiences in the form of an essay or a video.

As an opportunity to participate in the university’s sesquicentennial celebrations, the MyCornell contests are seeking submissions from undergraduates on: people who have influenced their lives at Cornell; experiences they would like to share with future Cornellians; and memorable learning experiences they have had or encounters with a professor, extra-curricular activity, study abroad program or community service project that has inspired their future paths.

Essay and video contest submissions are being accepted from Nov. 15 to Feb. 2, 2015. For contest rules, contacts and submission information, see http://150.cornell.edu/participate/writing/ or http://150.cornell.edu/participate/video/.

First prize in the video contest is $500; the winning video will be featured at a “Sight and Sound” event at Cornell Cinema during Charter Day weekend, April 24-27, 2015. Winners of the essay contest will receive $300 and the opportunity to read their work during Charter Day weekend. The four-day celebration will feature literary readings, musical performances, presentations, films and student innovators. Honorable mention recipients in both contests will also receive cash prizes and the opportunity to showcase their work.

The contests are sponsored by the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, the John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines, and the Department of Performing and Media Arts.

“The video and essay contests provide an opportunity for undergraduates to reflect on their Cornell experiences, share their insights with thousands of Cornellians, be part of the Charter Day weekend celebration and leave an indelible mark on the history of Cornell,” said Sesquicentennial Steering Committee chair Glenn C. Altschuler, Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Professor of American Studies and Dean of the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions.

“As a university committed to educating ‘any person’ in ‘any study,’ Cornell has always emphasized student input and experience,” said steering committee member Natalie Rosseau ’16. “Therefore, student voices are fundamental components of Cornell’s sesquicentennial celebration. The Sesquicentennial Steering Committee and I are excited to see the energy, passion and creativity that students will bring to these student contests, to honor and to celebrate our university’s storied past and bright future.”

Additional opportunities to participate in Cornell’s sesquicentennial include:

• Share Your Story: http://150.cornell.edu/participate/shareyourstory/
• Sing with the Cornell Global Choir: http://150.cornell.edu/participate/choir/