At this orientation there were some speakers, free food, free gifts, etc.

One of those free gifts was a day planner, which was sponsored by Old Navy (the clothing store, if you arent aware of them).

On this day planner was an Old Navy contest entry form.

The prize: a trip to the Old Navy store of your choice, with a 3 night stay, and a $500 shopping spree. Or you could opt for $2,500.

There was one winner PER school. I'm assuming they had this contest all around the country. The only thing you had to do to enter was fill out that single piece of paper and mail it in. Total cost (at the time): 34 cents.

How did my friend win this contest?

Simply by entering it.

She believes to this day (and I would have to agree) that she was the only person who entered from Wayne State University.

See, people dont think they'll win contests, so they don't enter. If you are one of these people, then STOP thinking this way!

Anyway, after my friend told me about this, I changed my thinking about contests like I hope you will. From then on I was a believer, and I now enter every contest I come across.

It doesn't matter where I am: the supermarket, a restaurant, the carnival, a Web site, it just doesnt matter.

I ENTER EVERY CONTEST I COME ACROSS

Has it been worth my time?

Yes, and to prove it, heres a small list of things Ive won in the past 1 - 2 years: