Chicago student wins essay contest, tickets to watch role model Venus Williams in Cincinnati

Cameron Wilson from XS Tennis in Chicago had the trip of a lifetime after winning our 1st annual USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation NJTL Essay Contest that earned her and her family a getaway to Great Wolf Lodge and front-row seats at the Cincinnati Open.

Cameron’s winning essay, “Grandma” (see full story below), was written in honor of her grandmother, who passed away in 2022. “Even though one of your loved ones may not be here, they’re still with you,” Cameron shared in an interview with Zoy Brown, NJTL Staff Liaison with USTA MTEF.

Having just started tennis last year after attending a summer camp, Cameron has quickly grown passionate about the sport, especially rallying. Her trip to Cincinnati was also her first time visiting the city, and the highlight was unforgettable: watching her role model Venus Williams compete live, just feet away from the court.

The family trip also included plenty of fun off the courts. Cameron, along with her mom, two brothers, and aunt, enjoyed the water park and arcade at Great Wolf Lodge. “I felt lucky to be able to enjoy this trip with my family,” Cameron said.

Looking ahead, Cameron hopes to continue growing as a tennis player while also pursuing her bigger dream of helping people in need. With her drive and enthusiasm, she is already proving she has a bright future both on and off the court.

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“Grandma“

By: Cameron Wilson 

“POW” What happened? My mother rushed to the bathroom. My mother found my grandmother on the floor. She immediately called the ambulance to find out what was going on. She waited for the ambulance to get there and they took my grandmother to the hospital. 

After that my mother called my auntie, my auntie rushed to the house in an Uber. After that, my auntie and mother went to the hospital. The doctor told my mom that my grandmothers heart stopped and they had to run tests on her. She had many tubes to help her breathe. 

My mom and auntie waited in the hospital a bit and when they got back my mom told me and my brothers. I felt sad finding out my grandmother was in the hospital. My grandmother was my best friend. 

She always used to tell me stories and she was very funny. We used to visit her all the time and she gave us good gifts. She always used to watch movies with us and after that we had popcorn. 

A few days later, I found my mother and my oldest brother crying in the living room. I knew what happened so I started crying too. When we told my other brother, he was crying and screaming. 

Losing my grandmother was very tough. She always congratulated me when I did something good and we were always together. What I learned from this is that God takes who he wants to take. He takes his time and everything coming out of him is good energy. 

God loves everybody and God is kind. He is very giving, but when it is a persons time, it is there time. He has it is his heart, he is great and watches everyone. He even loves those who do not love him. I have never seen him but he is good, he is the closest thing to perfection there is. No one is perfect but he is close. He has blessed every soul. He loves everyone and everyone should love him. He loves deep and he wants to help everyone and wishes for peace on Earth. 

Something that helped me a lot is the support I got from my teachers. They helped me talk about it and made me understand that I could have thoughts about it. I also have a therapist that I talk to that helps me feel better. 

Something fun that I do is pray and talk to my grandmother like she is right here. She may not respond, but I know she hears me. Every night I want to talk to her. She was a wonderful person. She used to me to be kind, she helped me with my homework and also said it doesn’t matter what other people say. Regardless if I get mad at my mom or my brothers, I still love them. They make me feel better when I am down. That is what family is about.