Turning Points $$ Turn Profit $$
By R. Dobson-Efpatridis, English Teacher
Would you like to attend a free luncheon and have the day off school, receive a cash
reward for up to $1000 and an honorary plaque, and have your written work
published?
Both last year and this semester, all my students enrolled in ENG 1D1 or 2D1 wrote
essays as part of their required course curriculum in English. In particular, students were
challenged to write about a moment in their lives of major social, physical or emotional
significance that acted as a catalyst of change or led to a moment of epiphany. As a
result, each essay was highly individual and extremely personal. The essays were marked
in class of course, and the qualifying essays were entered in the Turning Points Essay
Writing Contest sponsored by the Learning Partnership.
The Learning Partnership is a not-for profit organization dedicated to bringing together
business, education, government, labour, policy makers and the community to develop a
partnership that strengthen public education in Canada. Turning Points is one of the
many projects of The Learning Partnership; the same corporation that initiated Take Our
Kids to Work. It is a unique opportunity for students to look within themselves and their
own life experiences to write about the values that are truly important to them. In 2005,
over 8000 essays were submitted for judging from many schools across the Greater
Toronto Area. In 2006, just over 7000 essays were entered from 48 schools in the
province. Judges are from both the private and public sector, and they attend the Awards
Presentation in May when students have lunch, and receive their prizes.
Determining which essays are submitted is sometimes very difficult since many of the
essays, after dedicated revising and editing on the part of student and teacher takes place,
are outstanding. However, the Learning Partnership itself sets limits on how many essays
can be submitted from each the junior
and senior categories at each
participating school.
Last year, four essays were submitted
from St. Edmund Campion and I am
proud to say that three Campion
students were recognized for their
efforts: Michelle Joy-1st place,
Nicholas Veltri, Honourable Mention
and Olivia Appiah-Kubi-Honourable
Mention. An exceptional
accomplishment in the first year. This
year, four essays were submitted again,
and Aidan Periera placed 3rd.
As you read through an excerpt of his winning essay, I hope that you will appreciate the
experience he has shared, and most of all, consider writing an essay next year, that may
be entered for this contest, under the guidance and direction of your English teacher.
Writing is a craft which involves skill. You can only become better through practice and
perseverance. Like a coach in sports, your English teachers are here to help you make
advances in your writing: format, style, vocabulary and clarity of expression. Like the
athlete on the court, the writer must be willing to take risks, work tirelessly, and use
constructive criticism for improvement until the craft is mastered.
Excerpt from Aidan’s winning essay:
On that Saturday, strangers were gathered around my dad in his bed and there was a large
machine in the room making a whirring sound. I had never seen my Mother look as worried as
she did that day. Paddles were pressed onto my Dad's chest and the strangers shouted, "all
clear", which was followed by a dull, thumping sound. My Dad's body seemed to jump as the
paramedics tried to revive him from an apparent heart attack.. . . I learned an invaluable lesson
that day. I learned how important it is to be there to provide support to those we care about and
that sometimes you in life you place the priorities of others before yourself. Sacrifice is the sign
of true commitment and love. I reflect on that day very often and it makes me smile to think of the
love and support my Dad always gives me. He is always steadfast and strong: even when faced
with a traumatic experience himself. The selflessness that he showed that day will always stay
with me. I can only hope that my dedication to my family will be as unswerving as his as I grow
up.
As you all enter the summer months with rest and realization on your minds, take the
time to reflect on your experiences with family and friends. It might be you standing on
stage at The University of Toronto receiving a cash prize and recognition for your
winning entry!