2011 Essay Contest Winners

1st Place

By Michael Serrano, Lawrence Middle School

Poverty is just one of the worst of may things in this world that’s an epidemic in our growing world. I believe that we can change that if mankind would be kinder. I also believe that even in our economy’s poor state we can still afford to lend a helping hand to those of less fortune because we are blessed with good homes and decent food while others are left on the street in pain because of them being abused by people of good fortunes and are also scarred with sadness because of their wondering of where their next meal is going to come from. I know these thingd because I have a relative, to be exact a woman that I know, that has been through all these things. This woman is my mother.

Her journey through (and please excuse me for this) hell all started when she was born. My mother was born into a family that wasn’t exactly stable moneywise (and a little mentally). You see my mother’s parents came from Mexico and just settled in. They had my eldest uncle first whose name is Jose. Then my mother whose name is Cathy was born. After all were born my grandmother had a total of 8 kids! As each was born the job my grandmother worked was able to support them less and less. Soon she couldn’t even afford to keep their tiny apartment. My grandmother was literally living paycheck to paycheck. Now all they could afford was to their car. They only had enough money to afford beans eggs and bread (not a lot either). Even sometimes all they could afford was ketchup and bread (that’s right ketchup on bread). Then to add on top of all of that mess of her life (no offense to my mother) she had an abusive father. My mother said he would sometimes come home after getting drunk or just coming home he would beat her and her brothers and sisters. He would also sometimes come home and beat her mom. She and her relatives never misbehaved because if they did they knew a world of hurt was coming. On day her father died of cancer and another shadow of pain was cast upon her and her family ‘cause no matter how much her daddy beat her she still loved him.

But as my mother grew older she rose from the ashes of her family’s demise and became successful. She was and A student and got a high school diploma and went to CSUN and got her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She met another man whom she was almost destined to meet on account of their whole life being nearly the same. He also achieved becoming an engineer. Ne we own a house that s worth 1 million (that’s right) 1 MILLION dollars on the market today. My father works for the los Angeles department of transportation and my mother is also a successful accountant at Burbridge Co. Today I am glad to know that independent, overachieving woman I know as my mom. So now I hope you know what a little hard work and perseverance can do. i also hope that you can apple that helping the poor because a little boost can make a person go far. My mother is living breathing proof of that.

2nd Place

By Kimberly Romero, Wilmington Middle School

There are many things one can do to bring hope to many people around the world. And there are also a lot of things that we can do to help people within our own community. Donating money is a good way to help organizations. But if you don’t have a lot of money, you can give something even more valuable, time.

Volunteering is when you share your time, knowledge, and heart. By doing so you are a good role model and may even encourage others to volunteer too.

I volunteer at the boys and girls club. There, I help elementary kids with their homework and teach them how to use computers. We also play games together and talk about things that are going on in their lives.

When I volunteer at the club, the kids see me as good role model. Many of them have older brothers or sisters that cuss or have bad habits and set bad examples for them. They see that they don’t have to do all those bad things to be liked.

Some of the kids that go there can hardly speak English. The language barrier can discourage them from trying to learn. When I take the time to explain their homework, they realize they can do the work. This encourages them to do better.

Sometimes my friends ask me “why do you always want to go to the club?” I tell them that it’s because sharing my time with the kids make the kids feel great and makes me feel great, also.

As you can see, donations are not the only way to share or to bring hope to others. Sharing your time is the best way to bring hope to others, because they see you care enough to share what little free you have. By doing this you are a good role model and you encourage other to do the same.

3rd Place

By Jesus Salguero, Charles Drew Middle school

One time I volunteered to give the most earthly valuable thing that I had to an orphan kid. What I gave to the child was a valuable guitar. The orphan knew how to play but all he needed was a guitar. That day I had just come out of playing music in a church, and the person I saw that was standing there was a kid named Jose. I asked Jose, “How can I help you?” He answered, “Nothing just wanted to play your guitar, and can I play it?” So I let Jose play my guitar. Meanwhile, I was putting everything away.

After I put the equipment away, Jose started to play a very good song. As I watched him play, I noticed that he had a pretty goo rhythm, so I joined him by playing the bass. The name of the song was “How He Loves Us” by Jesus Culture. When we finally stopped playing I gave Jose a high-five and asked him “How long have you been playing?” He answered saying, “Oh , I’ve been playing for 3 years.” What he told me, surprised me because I have almost 5 years playing, and he almost play kind of like me.

As we were walking towards the exit he asked me if he could buy the electric guitar but as I was thinking for the price I said to him, “what would you do if I told you that I rather give it to you for an early Christmas gift?” He got very happy. I have never seen a little boy so happy, like Jose. Like I say, I like to see a little boy and girl smile.