This I Believe Lessons Learned

Ashley Sikand

The National Public Radio feature 'This I Believe' incorporates powerful storytelling to reveal a person's essence - their core values. One Hillsborough County high school reading coach turned the radio project into a powerful teaching tool.

The simple, contemplative music of NPR's 'This I Believe' is what first caught the ear of Natalie Gago. But, it was the story that kept the Newsome High School reading coach sitting in the parking lot glued to her car radio.

'It was about the lady who adopted a child from China and it was about the power of love to heal, to transform. It was so touching.' It was at the moment that Gago realized the transformative powers the 'This I Believe' project could have on students. So, she held her own essay contest for students and then the teachers.



To listen to the winning student essay by Ashley Sikand, click here.



To listen to the essay from finalist Jamill Guidotti, click here.



To listen to the winning teacher essay by Erin Devlin, click here.