[dropcap]S[/dropcap]upport from loved ones is crucial for any level of success. That much was clear in the wake of the STAR 30th Anniversary Essay Competition prize-giving ceremony held this week. In the top places were the authors of three of the best essays that judges Doretta Francois (Star Copy Editor), Rosalie Piare (Teacher) and myself had the privilege of perusing.
Families of the winning students made themselves available for the big event, particularly that of our top winner, Khadijah Halliday, a fourth-form student of Saint Joseph’s Convent.
After she received her prizes, with her mother standing dutifully by her side, Khadijah approached the STAR team seeking advice on pursuing a career in the writing field. Her mother reflected on the mountain of books under which her daughter was frequently found buried, something Khadijah shyly confirmed, letting it be known that it was her dream to one day become a best-selling author. Needless to say, I could relate!
As we spoke about the endless possibilities of where her passion could lead her, I made sure she knew before leaving our offices that she was on the right track. If possibly I could share anything more with Khadijah or any other aspiring writer, or journalist for that matter, it would be, in the words of STAR Publisher Rick Wayne: ‘The importance of experiences . . . or truly living.” After all, if not about their own life, experiences and perspective, then of what significance is any piece of writing?
I wish all the participants of our Essay Competition the best in the future as they continue to excel in all areas of academics, and in their personal lives. See the full list of winners on page 10 of this edition.
