I’ve been reading the Yakezie scholarship essays recently, and I have to say that while I have enjoyed all of the essays that I have read so far, there are a few that have touched me personally and have left me spending some time thinking and self-reflecting about life in general. To me, that’s the sign of a pretty good essay. I’d like to share them with you:
- I Look Up To You
- Ma’an Luzano shares her story about the guiding light in her life that is her Ate (At-eh), which means older sister in Filipino. Her Ate is her personal hero. Although she grew up in a broken home, her Ate taught her to be strong and resilient, and to look forward to the future with courage and hope. I also grew up in a broken home, and for me, the guiding light was (and is) my grandmother, and she is my own personal hero. Sometimes, we all need a guiding light to show us the way. If Ma’an wins, she plans on using the scholarship funds to help out for college; she plans to attend San Diego State University.
- The Drug Dealer
- Stepan Parunashvili talks to us about the inspiration he receives from the story of Tim Ferris. His book about the four-hour work week and on overcoming personal fears inspired Stepan to make changes to his own life, as well as start new projects, such as Tutorcurve, a service which matches university tutors with high school students. I enjoyed this essay as well, although I have to admit that I didn’t get the connection between the title and the rest of the essay until I read the comments. If Stepan wins, he plans to use part of the funds to apply to universities in Toronto, as well as McGill University in Montreal.
- The Gift of Caring
- This essay by Kaitlyn Martin shares a heartwarming story on how her life was changed by a simple act of unconditional generosity and sacrifice between two strangers. It is amazing to find that even when someone finds themselves in the depths of what by all accounts would be considered a despairing situation, they can still give up what little they have if it would mean the world to someone else. It’s really a mutually beneficial exchange, since both hearts are warmed by the exchange. This story gives me hope for the future, and it has rekindled my belief in the inherent good of people. Evil exists, and we can all fall prey to it, but if we work to change the institutions and incentives that reward immoral behavior, we can become better than we are.
These are only a few of my favorite essays, but in truth, I enjoyed all of them. They are all written with heart and passion and deserving of a read, and I highly encourage you to head over to the Scholarship section of the Yakezie to read them, comment, and vote for your favorites! If you also enjoyed these essays, then you could also consider contributing toward the scholarship at the Donate page; I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated by all.
So, reader, did you also enjoy the scholarship essays? I’d love to hear your own thoughts, and how you personally relate to the stories shared.
I too was very impressed with the essays. I was shocked with how well written they were, and the absolute adversity some of the kids overcame. What a great group of kids, I wish they could all win (although there were a couple I still need to read).
Two out of three of my favorites won, so not so bad, but I agree that they were all pretty good essays. The others were still published on the site, so that’s something to remember, too.
I’ve only read a scholarship essay once but I’m not too sure what the scholars are in the yakezie group. Are they financially sponsored students?
The winners do get financially sponsored by the scholarship sponsors as well as the donors! You can read all about it here: http://yakezie.com/sections/scholarship
I actually picked the same essays as my favorites. In general I am very impressed how well written all of the essays are. It seems that those kids really put in some great time, effort and a lot of thinking into this.
These are the essays that touched me the most. I wonder how they all found out about it…!
I liked Ma’an Luzano, but am curious what Kaitlyn Martin will do if she wins?
You’re right, I didn’t mention that. She said that she would use it to fund her upcoming college education — I don’t think she mentioned any schools in particular.
These have been some great stories, and it actually inspired me to write an article about my dad! Can’t wait to complete it and share it with the world! 🙂
Nice, I’m looking forward to reading it! 🙂
Wow, they were all good. I agree that they were exceptionally well written. I don’t think I could have done as well at the same age.
I was impressed as well; hope that the quality can stay up there in the months ahead.
I just caught up reading and commenting on them all yesterday. You picked some great ones to highlight. The gift of caring was particularly touching but as was the story of Ate.
Those were my favorites! 🙂 Too bad Ma’an didn’t win but there will be more chances ahead.
I still have more to read, but so far, I was really taken with “I Look Up To You.” Each of the ones you listed was very, very good, though.
I think out of all of them, that was my favorite; too bad not everyone could win!
Drug Dealer and I look up to you were also my favorites, but I tend to be biased towards immigrants.
Of course. 😉 I don’t think I’m biased, but the fact that many immigrants have larger hurdles to leap over makes it so I can’t help but root for them…
Hi Kevin,
I’m glad that you liked my essay 🙂 You inspire to continue to put myself out there.
Regards,
Stepan
Keep up the great work, Stepan! 🙂