Every minute of the spelling bee taught me something new: how to stay calm under pressure, how to make friends instead of rivals, how to accept success and defeat, how much the support of my friends and family means, how people can be talented and gracious and dedicated all at once. It left me with one question, though - how do I deal with the loss of my spelling bee world?

Now, with a little more distance between me and the end of the competition, I think I know the answer: I don't have to deal with losing this world, because it will be with me forever. I will always keep the skills I've learned, the support I've discovered, and the joy of seeing my work pay off. These precious intangibles, far more important than money and fame, are the prizes of the spelling bee.