The Dale Misenheimer Creative Writing Award is given annually to a U.S. citizen between the ages of 18 and 24 who has not yet published a book. The award, which is sponsored by the Creative Writing Program at the University of Michigan, aims to celebrate young people’s “unconventional wisdom and innovative spirit.”
There are a range of prizes and accolades available to students in the U.S. When it comes to applying for university scholarships, many applicants have to put their creativity to the test and come up with some unique ideas to stand out from the crowd. The same goes for when it comes to getting a student loan; you need to be certain that you will be able to pay back the principle and interest on time, as well as make the monthly payments required. With so much competition for financial aid, it’s important to be as creative as possible when applying for loans and other forms of financial support. That way, you give yourself the best chance of being accepted to university and being able to fund your studies. It’s all about putting your best foot forward!
What Is Creativity?
Creativity is often used as a synonym for art or literature, but it actually refers to a wide range of individual and collective efforts to come up with new ideas, products, or ways of thinking. It is this ability to be creative that determines if a person is a good fit for the Dale Misenheimer Award. In order to qualify for the award, you need to exhibit the following characteristics:
- originality
- flexibility
- innovative thinking
- a can-do attitude
- a pioneering spirit
- a love for literature
- a desire to share your talents with the world
Why Are Young People Nominated?
The creative writing program at the University of Michigan hosts some of the most accomplished and inspiring writers in the country. Each year, the award is given in recognition of a single manuscript that demonstrates the following qualities:
- Dale Misenheimer’s vision of the “unconventional wisdom and innovative spirit” of a young person.
- Wisdom
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Passion
- Confidence
- Ambition
- Optimism
The 2016 recipient of the prestigious Dale Misenheimer Award was Alexandria Villaseñor. Alexandria became the first recipient of the award to be born and raised in the U.S. She is a freshman at the University of Michigan and is majoring in communications with a concentration in magazine journalism. Alexandria is a shining example of the “unconventional wisdom and innovative spirit” that the award is celebrating. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, Vogue, and The Paris Review, among others.
Other talented writers, journalists, and poets who have been celebrated by the University of Michigan for their innovative spirit and creativity include:
- Alice Munroe (1863–1924), American journalist and short story writer
- Marjorie Merriweather Post (1877–1939), American journalist and businesswoman
- Elinor Wylie (1879–1916), American poet and short story writer
- Anna Chen (1902–1981), American journalist and author
- Dorothy Parker (1893–1967), American wit and witess
- Margaret Mitchell (1900–1974), American author, The Grapes of Wrath
- Odette Winslow (b. 1929), American poet and children’s book author
- Betty Smith (1878–1943), American author, known for her work in the genre of romance novels and historical fiction
- Marion Zimmer Bradley (1887–1974), American author and military historian, The Salamander Hunt
- Sonia Sanchez (b. 1963), American author, The Lost Boys
- Cynthia Caldwell (b. 1965), American novelist, The Yellow Wallpaper
- Toni Morrison (1931–2019), American author, known for her works including Jazz and Black
- Buchi Emmiya (b. 1976), Japanese-Italian novelist, Tales of Wonder
- Sophie Chang (b. 1981), American author, A White Silk Dress and Other Stories
- Dolores Hart (b. 1933), American author of children’s books, The Best of Dolores Hart
- Mariko Tamura (b. 1978), Japanese author, White
- Hiromi Igarashi (b. 1972), Japanese author, The Lie That Changed Us
What Is the Potential Impact of the Award?
The University of Michigan Creative Writing Program states that the following will occur as a result of receiving the Dale Misenheimer Award:
- Your writing will be represented in the University of Michigan Creative Writing Program’s annual showcase, along with other award winners.
- Your name will be placed on a plaque that will be permanently displayed in the Creative Writing Program.
- You will be invited to join the University of Michigan Creative Writing Program as a student associate, which provides you with access to University of Michigan students, faculty, and experts in your field.
- You will be invited to speak at the University of Michigan about your experience in receiving the award, as part of the annual Distinguished Speakers Program.
- You will have the opportunity to develop your writing and to get professional feedback on your work from talented writers and editors.
- You will have the chance to participate in a variety of creative activities, including film and television production, digital art, and design.
- You will be able to network and to meet professional writers, journalists, and editors.
- Your writing will be archived for future reference and study.
- You will have the opportunity to teach creative writing workshops at local high schools and community colleges.
How Do I Apply?
The application process for the award is quite simple. You just need to submit a manuscript of no more than five thousand words to the University of Michigan Creative Writing Program. Submissions opened in October 2015 and the winner will be announced in April 2016. The program will contact you with the results as soon as possible.
There are some more hoops to jump through if you want to be considered for admission to the University of Michigan, but they aren’t nearly as difficult as the application process itself.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in creative writing, you should apply for university scholarships and financial aid as soon as possible. The earlier you start; the better your chances of being accepted to a top-tier university such as the University of Michigan. Don’t forget to put your best foot forward with an impressive piece of work, so that you can stand out from the crowd! Good luck out there.