Each year since 2017, UD’s Center for Political Communication has fostered civic engagement with the Voices of UD audio project, where students record an essay aligning with that year’s theme.

This year’s theme was "My Future, My Voice." Pulling inspiration from the findings of a 2023 Harvard University Youth Poll, 20 UD students submitted candid reflections highlighting anxiety, financial security and frustration with systemic challenges, among other issues. The winners were announced in mid-April.

Nadya Ellerhorst, a senior international relations and Russian studies double major, received first place for "To Be The Queen or The Fool?" Ellerhorst pondered graduation's uncertainty and in the midst of post-grad anxiety, thought back to a tarot reading predicting her future.

Susan Aramony, a senior communication major with a media concentration, was awarded second place for "A Life Worth Living." Expanding on therapy questions about a life worth living, her version of the future includes safety, equality and peace.

Kaitlyn Sill, a junior communication and political science double major, took third for "Who Really Knows What Tomorrow Is?" Reflecting on growing up amid tumultuous times, from the housing crisis to the pandemic, Sill aims to shape her future through hard work, advocacy and community building.

Students Brooke Burkhardt, Richard Plotzker and Keavy Rhodes received honorable mentions, while Olivia Powers, Sophia Lantz, Haotian Wang and Nathan DeRoche received commendations.

For further information, please visit: https://www.cpc.udel.edu/