Buffs One Read Storytelling contest winners share their experiences

When CU Boulder students responded to this year’s Buffs One Read Storytelling Contest, they brought forward stories shaped by identity and personal reflection. Inspired by Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work by Dave Isay, the contest invited students to explore voice and purpose through their own narratives. 

We spoke with this year’s winners about their work, their process and what they learned along the way. 

Writing about identity, culture and voice

Diyora Daminova, contest winner

For Diyora Daminova, a senior in aerospace engineering, the contest offered “a meaningful opportunity to leave something behind for the school and its community.”

Her essay, “Voices,” reflects on “my personal experience growing up within Uzbek culture and how that shaped my identity as a woman pursuing a demanding STEM field.” In the piece, she explores “the strength of silence that has historically been enforced on women in Central Asia” while also tracing her own curiosity and path to Boulder.

The writing process was deeply emotional.

“I remember crying for several days while trying to bring my thoughts together,” she said.

At the same time, the process brought a range of emotions: “sadness for what has been lost in Uzbek history… pride in how far I have come; and deep respect for my nation.”

Through reading Callings and writing her story, Daminova said she was reminded that “even if someone does not make the biggest breakthrough in history, there will always be people who appreciate meaningful contributions made with good intentions.”

Reflecting on listening, connection and personal journey 

Anna Hoisington, a sociology major with a minor in linguistics, was drawn to the contest because it connected to “listening to others, reflecting on personal experiences, and exploring how stories connect people across different backgrounds.”

Anna Hoisington, contest winner

Her work focused on “my journey of finding my calling and passion for language,” a process that required “a great deal of reflection, personal exploration, and identifying what matters most to me.” 

One of the biggest challenges was narrowing her story. 

“Our stories as people are intricate, layered, and extensive,” she said. “Choosing the most formative parts of my journey was challenging.” 

The process also brought up strong emotions, including “nostalgia, appreciation, a touch of melancholy, and immense gratitude for the people who supported me along the way.” 

Through the experience, Hoisington said she came to a clearer understanding of her own voice: 

“I learned that my voice matters just as much as the next person’s. It is brave to share your story… and it is brave to be heard by people willing to listen.” 

Writing about grief and adversity 

For Anette Marmolejo, a first-generation environmental studies student, storytelling has long been central to her life. 

“I have been writing fiction and nonfiction stories since I was little,” she said, adding that she hopes “people feel seen” through her work. 

Anette Marmolejo, contest winner

Her essay was inspired by Callings and came together quickly. 

“My writing process was one of those moments where everything falls together perfectly,” she said. “I feel like my story poured out of me.” 

At the same time, the subject matter was difficult. 

“My story was a difficult one to write because I had to be reminded of a time in my life when I was experiencing intense grief and adversities,” she said. 

Through the process, Marmolejo reflected on how she understands purpose: 

“I learned that my purpose does not come from my career path… I learned that I am a collection of my experiences and the love that I am capable of giving.” 

A shared experience across campus 

Across their responses, students pointed to the role of Buffs One Read in creating space for reflection and connection. 

Daminova described the program as “a beautiful initiative” that creates “a community of people who are willing to listen, reflect, and share their stories.” 

Hoisington said the program “creates opportunities for conversations that might not otherwise happen,” helping build “a sense of connection” across campus. 

For Marmolejo, the experience was immediately welcoming: “Everyone that I have met through this experience has been so kind and helpful and encouraging.” 

Meeting the author 

Diyora Daminova, Anna Hoisington, Dave Isay and Anette Marmolejo

Each of the winners also had the opportunity to meet Dave Isay, whose work inspired this year’s contest. 

Daminova described him as “a very kind and empathetic person” who is “truly there to listen and to amplify voices that are often overlooked.” 

Hoisington said the experience was “emotional, genuine,” and encouraged her to “listen more carefully to others’ experiences.” 

Marmolejo reflected that meeting him was “such an honor,” adding that he “encouraged me to keep writing.” Through their stories, this year’s winners highlight the power of reflection, the challenge of putting experience into words and the importance of being heard.