When Poor Grammar Becomes a Diamond in the Rough: My Personal Essay Competition Story
How one person's modest essay competition has inspired students to pursue their dreams and transform their lives.
Changing Lives One Essay at a Time
For more than twenty years, I have hosted an annual essay competition. It all began one Christmas when I didn't have enough money to buy gifts for everyone on my list.
Rather than feeling discouraged, I decided it was time to change our tradition of giving gifts simply because it was Christmas.
Instead of buying presents for my grandchildren and a few of the neighborhood children, I asked them to write an essay about what Christmas meant to them. I wanted them to understand that rewards can be earned through diligence and effort.
I told them, "Show me what you can do, and you will be rewarded. Whether your grammar is perfect or not, simply do your best."
That simple idea became a tradition that has continued for more than two decades.
Over the years, the prizes have helped many students pay for school transportation, purchase books, and develop a genuine interest in writing. Some contestants have shared that they had never won anything before in their lives. Hearing those words reminds me that even a small act of encouragement can have a lasting impact.
Today, I am a pensioner, still giving from the little I receive. Along the way, two friends jokingly called me stingy and encouraged me to increase the prize money. I remain grateful that they also contributed to the prize fund whenever they could.
Over the years, we have celebrated incredible success stories. Former participants have gone on to graduate from high school and university, pursuing careers they once only dreamed about.
One category that is especially close to my heart is for women whose education was interrupted by financial hardship or domestic responsibilities. Many had the ability to achieve their dreams but never had the opportunity.
These women are often our most enthusiastic contestants. The competition gives them renewed confidence and reminds them that their voices still matter.
I am not a politician or a celebrity. I am simply an ordinary person who continually looks for ways to help others, even though there are times when I need help myself.
One aspect of the competition has always been especially important to me.
Our judges intentionally look beyond grammatical mistakes so they can focus on each contestant's ideas, personal experiences, and hopes for making a difference in the world.
That does not mean grammar is ignored.
After the winners are selected, the judges provide thoughtful feedback, offering guidance on grammar, writing techniques, and proper citations. We want to protect each contestant's confidence while also preparing them for the academic expectations of university and the professional world.
One of the proudest moments of my life came when I was invited to watch, via Zoom, a former winner walk across the stage to receive first-class honors in nursing. Not long afterward, she was recognized once again, receiving an award for her outstanding work at her hospital.
Moments like that remind me why this competition matters.
Admittedly, encouraging teenage boys and older men to participate has been more challenging. Many are simply too shy. I remember one young man telling me there was no point in attending school because everything he needed to know could be found on the internet.
I respected his opinion and left him to his thoughts.
As for me, I will continue announcing the competition, and whoever wishes to participate will always be welcome.
Because I fund the competition entirely from my own modest income, I must limit each round to four contestants. It is not as many as I would like, but I have learned that changing even one life at a time is still worthwhile.
As long as I am able, I will continue encouraging people to write, to dream, and to believe that their words have value. Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity, one person who believes in you, and one essay to begin changing the course of a life.
