Essays Featured on NPR

Showing 1 - 10 of 209 essays for the category: Featured Essays.

There Is No Job More Important Than Parenting

Benjamin Carson - Baltimore, Maryland
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, October 10, 2005

Even as a child, Benjamin Carson wanted to be a doctor. Now a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Carson believes he owes his success to his mother, a domestic who received only a third-grade education.

A Journey Toward Acceptance And Love

Greg Chapman - Houston, Texas
As heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, October 3, 2005

For much of his life, Greg Chapman felt less than fully human. But when he stopped judging himself against other people’s beliefs, Chapman found a new acceptance of himself and a stronger bond with God.

A Little Outrage Can Take You a Long Way

Cecilia Muñoz - Washington, District of Columbia
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, September 26, 2005

For Cecilia Muñoz, a childhood memory of anger has inspired a career in activism. She believes that early outrage fuels her work on behalf of Hispanic immigrants for the National Council of La Raza.

Unleashing The Power Of Creativity And Intelligence

Bill Gates - Redmond, Washington
As heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, September 19, 2005

Bill Gates founded Microsoft on the dream of putting a computer in every home and office. He says he built his company on the belief that technology, creativity and intelligence can change the world.

In Praise of the 'Wobblies'

Ted Gup - Cleveland, Ohio
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, September 12, 2005

For years, journalist Ted Gup wasn’t sure what he believed, and he felt uncomfortable in the company of people who freely shared their firm beliefs. Now he accepts his own uncertainty as a good thing.

The Joy And Enthusiasm Of Reading

Rick Moody - Fishers Island, New York
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, August 29, 2005

Rick Moody has built a life in words: in writing them for his books like “The Ice Storm,” and in reading them. He believes there is unlimited joy in opening a new book and delving into its story.

A Balance Between Nature And Nurture

Gloria Steinem - New York, New York
As heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, August 22, 2005

In debating nature versus nurture, Gloria Steinem believes we are asking the wrong question. She says we are an unpredictable mix of both, a mix that creates endless possibilities for a better future.

Living Life With 'Grace And Elegant Treeness'

Ruth Kamps - Waukesha, Wisconsin
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, August 15, 2005

After being transplanted from a vibrant city life to the isolation of a small town, retired school teacher Ruth Kamps found solace in nature and inspiration in the pine tree growing outside her kitchen window.

Always Go to the Funeral

Deirdre Sullivan - Brooklyn, New York
As heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, August 8, 2005

As a child Deirdre Sullivan’s father told her to always pay her respects at funerals. Now, the Brooklyn attorney believes those simple acts of human kindness are as important as the grand heroic gestures.

The Power Of Love To Transform And To Heal

Jackie Lantry - Rehoboth, Massachusetts
As heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, August 1, 2005

Several years ago, Jackie Lantry found herself in a Chinese hotel room with a terrified young boy. Today, her adopted son Luke is a happy member of her Massachusetts family thanks to the power of love.