Welcome, here is a description of the first essay This I Believe:
Essay 1 allows you to draft your own statement of personal belief, the values which rule your thought and action. When you set down this personal belief, it should and often will hold meaning to others. Within this first research essay, I would like you to tell not only what you believe, but how you reached your belief, and if it has grown, what made it grow. You can look at the This I Believe website, http://thisibelieve.org/, for a preview of how these essays look on particular themes--under the "Explore" tab, you will find a link to "browse by theme,"
Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the vague generalizations that are too simplified to have meaning; instead, ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenchingit can even be funnybut it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.

Be brief: Your statement must be between 700-750 words--no more than 750 words. 

Name your belief: If you cant name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, dont write a list; instead, focus on one core belief.

Be positive: Avoid preaching or editorializing. I will not accept papers that are simple statements of religious belief or finding God. Tell me what you do believe, not what you dont believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial we. Make your essay about you; speak in the first person. Also avoid the word "you" 

Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. I recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.