Imagine journalism with more freedom for ideas and coverage, without the pressures of audience and finance, and a sea of resources at your feet.  This is the utopic world of fellowships. 

I was so surprised to see such a lack of bleakness in the faces of the panelists as they talked about the opportunities and funding offered by their endowments.  Their key tips:  Honesty.  Write your essays from your own perspective.  It will be clear what you think the judges want to hear and what you mean.

Shawn Wen