Jeanette Mrozinski, a candidate for a master of fine arts in creative nonfiction at WashU’s Writing Program in Arts & Sciences, has secured the 2025 Calibre Essay Prize awarded by the Australian Book Review (ABR).

This accolade is considered one of the most esteemed globally for an unpublished essay. Mrozinski has become the first individual from the U.S. to earn this distinction. She was honored for “Eucharist,” a poignant narrative describing a woman’s urgent quest for antiretroviral treatment, which is essential to prevent the advancement of HIV, within 72 hours post-assault.

“As the critical moments pass and our main character hurries to yet another pharmacy, we witness the bleak truths of America’s healthcare system for those facing difficult decisions regarding inaccessible, unaffordable medications,” the judging panel remarked. “The essay illustrates common, everyday anguish in contemporary America.”

“Eucharist” was selected from a competitive pool of 648 submissions across 26 nations. The essay is set to be featured in the Australian Book Review’s May 2025 issue. Mrozinski is set to receive a first-place honor of $5,000 Australian dollars.

“Frequently, the narratives of the working class that enter our literature are perceived as marginalized art, their worth assessed through the stark levels of desperation and humiliation that, for countless individuals, represent the ongoing dramatic struggle of daily existence,” Mrozinski expressed. “(I’m) incredibly encouraged to see that ABR readers are responding to this tale of personal and collective action.”

Learn more at australianbookreview.com.

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