CNS senior Megan Meives wins regional essay contest and $2,500 Scholarship

Cicero-North Syracuse High School senior Megan Meives has been named the New York/New England District winner of the Optimist International Essay Contest, earning a $2,500 scholarship for her powerful and personal essay, "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success." Selected from student submissions across the multi-state region, Megan’s essay stood out for its authentic voice, emotional resonance and insight into the struggles many young people face when navigating uncertainty. In her essay, Megan writes candidly about the pressure to define her future and the comfort she’s found in embracing the unknown with an optimistic mindset. “Learning to greet the unknown with optimism, as so many are unwilling to do, has allowed me to reach previously unimaginable levels of success, a word I believe to be synonymous with happiness.”

We caught up with Megan to learn more about her experience:

Has winning this contest influenced how you’re thinking about your future? “It’s definitely been comforting to think that my topic might have resonated with people! Writing this essay was a refreshing process that really helped strengthen my belief in the mindset that I wrote about.”

Are there any careers or paths you’re currently considering? “I am considering a couple different options, namely education and math-related fields, but I’m definitely not set on anything yet.”

Do you consider yourself a writer? “I’ve never really considered myself a writer outside of school, but I’ve always enjoyed it. There is something satisfying about seeing your thoughts laid out neatly for others to interpret.”

What inspired your theme of uncertainty? “The idea first came to me because of all the uncertainty I was dealing with in my own life… the more I thought about it, the more I realized how many other people might be feeling similarly.”

What advice would you give to other students who are struggling with self-doubt? “I know I don’t have all (or many) of the answers, but I don’t think that anyone truly does. Isn’t there something comforting just in that?”

This was Megan’s first time entering the Optimist Essay Contest. Her voice and vulnerability are a reminder of the strength it takes to face the unknown with hope.

Read Megan’s full essay: "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success"