This I Believe

What do you believe in?

This I BelieveThis I Believe, Inc., was founded in 2004 as an independent, not-for-profit organization that engages youth and adults from all walks of life in writing, sharing, and discussing brief essays about the core values that guide their daily lives.

It’s based on a radio program from the 1950’s. People from all walks of life - both famous and not- shared what they believe in.

People were excited to listen to the radio show the way we get excited about new releases on Netflix.

Ying Ying Yu

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/8560/

Ying Ying Yu lives in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.

Ying Ying Yu has a maturity beyond her years. The 13-year old immigrant from China believes she has a duty to honor the sacrifices made by her parents, her ancestors, her teachers and her homeland.

Pius Kamau

Pius Kamau

Growing up in Kenya, Pius Kamau was inspired by the equality preached by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now a surgeon in Denver, Kamau believes in caring for his patients, whatever their racial views.

Pyramid of Success/GreatnessWhat’s the MOST important thing to you at this time? (top) What pieces go under that trait?

John Wooden - UCLA Basketball Coachlink to readable pyramid Ron Swanson- fictional Basketball Coach

Season 3 Ep. 1 - 4:49 Link to readable pyramid

YOUR This I Believe Pyramid of Success/Greatness Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS:1. Use the Wooden and Swanson pyramids as a

model for your own pyramid of success/greatness

2. Fill in the pyramid using at least THREE THEMATIC SUBJECTS of positive personal qualities (SEE LIST) and any other items that are important to you to complete your six-step pyramid. THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IS ON THE TOP!

3. Explain why you chose each element of your pyramid.

4. This will serve as a graphic organizer for your “This I Believe” essay

5. You may tape it into your WNB (yes, it will count as an entry!)

Framing your essay in a nutshell...more information on the “This I Believe Criteria” sheet.

Paragraph 1: I believe statement…

Paragraph 2: Personal story/experience that has gotten you to believe the way you do

Paragraph 3: Why/how is this belief important for the world in which we live?

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

More essays to read and hear…

The following pages have a few more selected “This I Believe” essays from the radio program.

You are welcome to go to the This I Believe website and search the database for your own choices.

The website also give you information on how to contribute an essay.

Tarak McLain

Tarak shares 30 things he believe

Tarak is from Austin, TX.

He wrote this essay to celebrate 100 days in Kindergarten

Alaa El-Saad

America’s Beauty Is In Its Diversity

Alaa is from Austin, TX.

In sixth grade, Alaa El-Saad decided to start wearing a hijab, the religious head covering for Muslim women. Despite some trepidation, she found her classmates supported her choice. Now El-Saad believes being different is part of being American.

Delia Motavalli

Find a Good Frog

Delia Motavalli has grown up watching movies about fairy tales and princesses. But after she received a piece of advice from her mother, Delia has come to realize her own definition of "happily ever after."

Sarah Adams

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude

We know them. We depend on them. We call them out on cold, rainy nights. Now, college professor Sarah Adams tells us why her life philosophy is built around being cool to the pizza delivery dude.