In early 2011, I saw a quick television news blurb about the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation holding an essay contest themed “Great Stories from the Great Outdoors.” Deciding to enter was the moment that changed everything for me. When my essay about hiking in the Adirondack Mountains was selected for the Grand Prize from more than 100 entries, it completely validated my decision to write for a living. The prize was a signed fine art print and publication of my essay in the October 2011 issue of the official magazine of the NYS DEC, The Conservationist.

Read my Award-Winning Essay.