May 2013 Writing Contest Prompt:  "Letter to Mom" - Share a special memory about your mother, grandmother, or an important woman in your life.

Details:  In honor of Mother's Day this month, we want to recognize and thank the women who helped raise us.  Think about your Mom, your Grandmother, or any special woman in your life who is or was a source of inspiration.  Now close your eyes and think about what makes that woman special.  Is it her overall characteristics or personality?  Is it a memory of a specific event or moment (serious, sad, or humorous) you shared with your Mom that brings joy to your heart? 

As an added action item for this student writing contest, after you've submitted your essay (submission button is below), share the URL of your post with your Mom.  Send it to her on Facebook.  Tweet the url to her.  Or print it out and mail or give it to her.  However you do it, consider letting her know the positive thoughts and memories you shared about her with the world.

We look forward to reading your "Letter to Mom" essays this month.

Upload your 500 Word (or less) Essay Now...

Essay Title:  When submitting your writing contest essay, title it as follows: 

Letter to Mom:  ____________ [include the phrase "Letter to Mom" as the beginning of your essay title in the Story Title field, but add your own headline following that so your essay title is unique]

Title Examples: 

• Letter to Mom:  My Mom Never Gives Up
  
• Letter to Mom:  She Can't Cook, but She Sure Can Sing!
  

Please be creative with your title, then type or cut and paste your full essay from a program like NotePad or TextEdit (don't use any formatting - just text, please) into the Story Details field.  Adjust the spacing as necessary. 

You may want to check out these tips for good essay writing to be considered a writing contest finalist. 

IMPORTANT TIPS/QUICK RULES: 

• You are welcome to blog on StageofLife.com as much as you want, but only TWO essay submissions per user for this May 2013 writing contest are allowed. 
  
• Title your essay using the instructions above so our Editors can find it in the story feeds in your life stage homepage on the website.  Example:  Here's where all of the high school student submissions get posted - High School 
  
• Editorial Note:  StageofLife.com is a non-partisan literacy initiative.  We judge the writing contest submissions not on the political or religious stance of our teen writers, but rather on how creative, original, passionate, and well written the essays are.  See below for more details on our judging policy.
• Type in your 500 word (or less) essay (or cut and paste it from another program) into the "Story Details" field of the writing contest submission form, which will appear after you click "Submit Essay" above.

NOTE:  You will need to login to submit your writing contest entry.  If you don't have a StageofLife.com login, please register (it's free).

Prize Package:  The winning writer will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package for includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release - here's a link to one of our press releases for reference.
  

Free Essay Contest:

This is a free writing contest.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee. TWO ESSAYS ENTRY PER PERSON FOR THIS MONTH'S WRITING CONTEST.  However, you are welcome to blog about your life or other topics outside of this writing contest at any time on StageofLife.com

Contest Deadline:  

May 31, 2013 at midnight Pacific Standard Time (US).  NOTE - the StageofLife.com time stamps all essay in Greenwich Mean Time (England) as we are an international writing initiative.  International student submissions are welcome.

Prize Package and Winner(s): 

Of the submitted essays, one student winner will be selected.  The winner and semi-finalists will be announced here after June 20th, 2013.  Winner and semi-finalists will be contacted by a StageofLife.com staffer via the email used to register for the website.

As we state in our Writing Contest Rules and Judging Criteria, student writers selected as our national essay finalists and winner(s) will demonstrate strong writing skills, a unique point-of-view, personal tone, originality, and realness in their essay. 

"Realness?"  Yes...realness. 

The reason that journalists and organizations ranging from TIME.com to Mint Education have featured our essays (especially our teen posts) in the national media is because our student bloggers all write from the heart.  Real people sharing real stories about their lives.  Combine this with our position as one of the only international, non-partisan, literacy platforms in the world and you'll find Stage of Life an open environment to share your ideas. 

Post Comments: 

We'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these writing contest essays.  Please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the essay-blog threads, especially since some of our writing prompts are sensitive in nature.  Nasty comments, personal attacks, or other such comments are not allowed and will be removed should they come to our attention.

Judging:

If you have questions about the rules or judging criteria for our writing contests, you can visit our Rules & Judging Criteria page.

Last Words - Share Your Story: 

Our hope is that your writing contest submission will positively impact others and help with our mission of making the world a better place, one story at a time.  Your essay may inspire others or even better, give you an opportunity to share a story that's simply important to you.

After you've submitted your essay, feel free to share the link to your essay on Facebook or Twitter.  Our essays are judged by real Editors, not popularity, but we do like to spread the word about our national, grassroots writing contest.   Also, please share this writing contest with Language Arts, English and History teachers, or on your blog. 

If you know a teacher who would like a free Stage of Life writing contest poster for his or her classroom, have them contact us.

About:

Read more about StageofLife.com and our mission

THIS WRITING CONTEST HAS ENDED AND IS BEING JUDGED.  READ THE SUMMARY REPORT HERE...

 

Writing Contest Prompt:  "In the News" - What Current National or International News Story Do You Think More Teens and College Students Should Care About, and Why?

• Nuclear armed North Korea's aggressive militaristic talk
• North Dakota passes most restrictive abortion bill in US history
• US Supreme Court debates gay marriage
• Cyprus Banks and Economic issues in the Euro Zone
• Pope includes women for first time in Holy Thursday rite
• US Senate group resolves key immigration issues to move ahead with overhaul of US immigration policy
• China's losing battle against polluters
• Obama makes impassioned plea for gun control legislation
• NCAA Basketball Tournament enters Final 4
• Obamacare
• and many others

Keeping these news headlines (and others you may have recently read, seen, or heard in mind), our question this month is..."What current news story or event should teens and college students care about...and why?"

Answer that question in 500 words or less.  In your essay, consider addressing these questions in a CREATIVE manner...

• What is the particular news story are you most passionate about?
  
• Why do you care about it so much?
• Why should other young people care more about this news story?
• Is there anything you, or others, can do to help make a difference in the outcome of this news story?
  

Prize Package:  The winning writers will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package for teen or college student winner that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release - here's a link to one of our press releases for reference.
  

Writing Contest Prompt:  When have you applied the phrase "No Fear" in your life?

To view the full summary report and get links to all of the essays for this writing contest...

Teen & College Essay Contest Winner:

• 1st Place Winner:  No Fear: Two Words by brodie.gress (The bathroom was the best place to cry)
• 2nd Place:  No Fear: Accepting Myself in the Midst of Alcoholism by whaleslikebaroque15 (This teen was at the mercy of her dad’s drunk driving too many times)
• 3rd Place:  No Fear: Afraid of myself… and olives by gbuttersnaps (This teen entered a harsh love affair with olives to make a friend)

11 Runners-Up (in no particular order):

1. No Fear: I was entirely alone in a new environment for the first time in my life by pahding (This introvert teen was scared to be alone)

2. No Fear: Cross a Different Street by adeliemelon (Give yourself a chance to start over)

3. No Fear: I have received the title, “A Foreign Exchange Student” by mayeesha (She traveled from her native Bangladesh to go to school in America)

4. No Fear: I couldn’t cross the street by kmac2017 (This teen was hit by a car while running)

5. No Fear: Agoraphobia by K.E. Nave (Going to school is a struggle for this teen)

6. No Fear: Failure will not bring the apocalypse by emsun (Failure is a way to move forward)

7. No Fear: A dramatization of my car ride to the Marine recruiting station by wiserhawk (This teen wanted to make something of his life)

8. No Fear: The National Spelling Bee by Evie (This teen psyched herself out of a great opportunity)

9. No Fear: Learning to Learn by ashilling13 (She was put in a “special” reading group)

10. No Fear: My Battle with Eating Disorders/Self-Esteem by Kamryn Bylsma (This teen struggled with a deadly eating disorder)

11. No Fear: My assumptions of scuba diving took a toll as I sank into the barren sea by michellek925 (Push yourself to do something scary for a new perspective)

20 Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. No Fear: This One is For Me by lookingforanswers (Make a future and happiness for yourself)

2. No Fear: I couldn’t turn back, for there was nowhere to turn back to by NCpollyCA (This teen was nervous to journey by herself)

3. No Fear: Facing the Mindkiller of Ski Racing by Brown Cat (Her fear was paralyzing her before a race)

4. No Fear: I put my shyness aside and put my personal work out there for an application to an arts high school and I didn’t get in by CORINNErose (She feels like she didn’t put herself out there enough)

5. No Fear: I couldn’t speak to my scary, sarcastic English teacher by Catlooby (Teachers are guides, not monsters)

6. No Fear: Good Grades, Good College, Good Job by kat.talerico (Your own happiness is the most important thing)

7. No Fear: Perfection in a Different Light by allyjo96 (Understanding is different than memorizing)

8. No Fear: For I Can Make It by RuzickaW (This teen struggles with wanting to be herself, but also be socially acceptable)

9. No Fear: An Inevitable Future by carinann (The future comes faster than we think/hope)

10. No Fear: My Fear Kept Me From My Passion by Kickadee (She lost her riding confidence)

11. No Fear: Resuscitating My Love of Reading by madgirl1117 (This teen misses reading)

12. No Fear: Hand Grenades by Mortal Couch (This teen didn’t die while handling live grenades)

13. No Fear: Showing My Love by chrysalismist (She strives to show 3 acts of love for her family members everyday)

14. No Fear: Forever alone? by graciechi4 (She is afraid to be alone)

15. No Fear: Why Says I Can’t Speak Spanish? by seenevermore (She knew how to speak, but was afraid)

16. No Fear: Fire Ain’t So Hot! by Ryan Amonta (He lost his cousin to a fire)

17. No Fear: I Found Calm in the Storm by genesis (This teen was afraid to fail math)

18. No Fear: I auditioned for the school’s dance company and made it by MariMo1254 (Overcoming fear leads to good things)

19. No Fear: I repelled down a 100-foot tower by kayla.jang (Life is about stepping outside of your comfort zone)

20. No Fear: Fear is Useless by meowkatz (Positive motivation is more important than fear)

Details:  Every teenager or college students has fears.  Some are things you can touch, like snakes.  Some are situations you want to avoid, like public speaking or test taking.  Some come from childhood stories, like ghosts or monsters.  And some fears are things that unfortunately find us, like terrorism, natural disasters, or cancer.
However, we can't live in the shadows of our fears everyday.  To do so would dishonor the act of living.

So this month, the Stage of Life national writing contest prompt is simple:  "As a teen, how have you applied the phrase "No Fear" in your life?" 

Tell us a story about yourself, in 500 words or less, about how you tackled a fear, whether it's personal, situational, external, or other.  In your essay, consider including these pieces in a CREATIVE manner...

• Identify the fear
• Describe how it was holding you back in life
• Share what you specifically did to conquer it
• And let us know how you're living differently now

Prize Package:  The winning writers will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package for teen or college student winner that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release - here's a link to a press release for reference.

View the StageofLife.com Teen Trend Report and our statistics on teens and TV.  Plus, read over 100 original essays submitted about students' favorite TV shows.  Essay finalists, runners-up, and the writing contest winner are named below...

Writing Contest Prompt:  Why can't you turn away from your favorite TV show?

• 1st Place Winner:  My Favorite TV Show: Jewel in the Palace Showed me the Jewel of My Life by haelen (This teen felt empowered by this show)
• 2nd Place (Tie):  My Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad has Me Breaking Curfews by sb14 (This teen loves the perfect execution of creativity and plot twists)
• 2nd Place (Tie):  My Favorite TV Show: The Colbert Report: a steady stream of satire by OliviaZZZ5 (This satirical news show challenges us to think critically about current hot topics—and also amuse us)

1. My Favorite TV Show: In Defense of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by WilliamKosh (Buffy is a response to the anti-woman plot of many horror shows)

2. My Favorite TV Show: Once Upon a Time enchants me with fairy tale twists by KL94 (She loves this shows’ unique perspectives)

3. My Favorite TV Show: Star Trek: Trekkie Pride by MadHats (This show’s lack of discrimination is admirable)

4. My Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead—Morality in the Time of a Zombie Apocalypse by Vanessa96 (This teen loves the philosophical dilemmas presented in this show about survival) 

Teen & College TV Essay Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. My Favorite TV Show: Why 30 Rock is the Greatest TV Show Ever by thankyoumrsloopner (This teen wants to be the next Tina Fey)

2. My Favorite TV Show: Awkward by ayotayler335 (This teen really relates to this show)

3. My Favorite TV Show: Why The Bachelor is Awfully Addicting by jamiedanielletrevino (This teen is confused for her love for The Bachelor)

4. My Favorite TV Show: The Biggest Loser makes me feel healthy, socially accepted, and hopeful by thesewordsispeak (Watching this TV show is like therapy)  

5. My Favorite TV Show: The Carrie Diaries Becomes My Second First Kiss by idreamy (She loves the fun plots and exciting romance)

6. My Favorite TV Show: Degrassi: The Rise of the Next Generation by xJ3SSICA (This show is about opening up lines of communication for tough issues for teens) 

7. My Favorite TV Show: How Doctor Who Has Won My Hearts by LavedaVida (The Doctor made her better)
   

8. My Favorite TV Show: How Glee has Changed Me by pearlemerson (Rachel from Glee taught her to fight for her dreams)

9. My Favorite TV Show: Because Who Watches Grey’s Anatomy for the Medicine? by kristiana27 (These characters are very human)
   

10. My Favorite TV Show: Modern Family: When I steal the remote and there’s no compromising by navosamarakoon

11. My Favorite TV Show: Motorcity and the World Beneath the Exterior by Wonderwelle (This teen didn’t want to be a fan… at first)

12. My Favorite TV Show: Candy-Colored Ponies (From My Little Pony) Make Me Wish for Peace by rosenwingedscribe (This teen learns valuable lessons at the end of each episode)

13. My Favorite TV Show: Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide teaches me that we can learn from even the funniest moments by bridgette1 (This show has practical life lessons and fun moments)

14. My Favorite TV Show: The many events of One Tree Hill never fail to inspire by Tiffyt3e (We all need a little bit of TV in our lives)

15. My Favorite TV Show: Victorious Teaches Me to be Myself by madisvictorious (This cast is extremely talented)

NOTE - We received submissions on this writing prompt from all life stages and generations.  Here are the TV essay Contest Winners from our non-student categories...

• Wedding/Married Without Kids:  My favourite TV show: 25 Women + 1 Man = Crazy Dates, Lots of Drama & Tons of Kissing on The Bac by ThingsYouRealize
• Having a Baby Winner/Parenting:  My favorite TV show: Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey doesn't drive a tractor by mbswrite
  
• Grandparents Winner: Holding On To Happy Days by MariaRose

View all of the submitted TV essays and our teen trend summary report about this writing contest...

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Details:  Over the last few months, we've had some heavy prompts for our teen and college writing contests (Newtown, Body Image,  Presidential Politics, etc.).  

So, this month, we're going lighter on the topic prompt...TV. 

Yes, television. 

It's winter, and we're in the middle of a new season of TV programming (as most of you know who have been fervently waiting for your favorite shows to begin again). 

For good or bad, people everywhere are spending more time indoors right now, plopped down in front of the warm glow of their favorite television shows.  Glee.  Breaking Bad.  Mad Men.  The Bachelor.  The Super Bowl.  American Idol.  Boardwalk Empire.  Nashville.  Survivor.  Downton Abby.  Homeland.  Modern Family.  And the list goes on.

Whether you love Golden Globe nominated TV programming found on the cable channels or the popular reality TV series found on all of the major networks, we want to know what one TV show makes you stop in your tracks, put on your cozy clothes, and jump up on the couch for 30-60 minutes of "me" time. 

In 500 words or less, tell us about this favorite show and why you just can't look away.

NOTE...

1) You may actually submit TWO essays for this writing contest
2) The TV show you select as the topic of your essay can be something currently airing, in re-runs, or a favorite show from your childhood.  The choice is yours. 

Once the judging is complete, we'll post the list of the TV shows nominated by our student bloggers and a link to essay finalists, runner's up and the winner here (and on our Teen Trend Report section) after March 15, 2013

---

EXTRA INFORMATION AND RULES TO HELP YOU ON THE WRITING CONTEST


Resources:
Consider these questions as you craft your TV essay...

• What makes your favorite TV show special?
• Does this TV show have any connection to your own hobbies, passions, or interests?
• Are there larger themes that this TV show addresses that could be helpful for people to know about who may be unfamiliar with it?
• Is there a reason you like this particular show, e.g. it's a tradition that you watch it each week with your family or friends?
• If you're looking for some ideas on TV shows to write about - take a look at our list of TV shows by Generation...
  • TV Shows during Gen Z birth era
  • TV Shows during Gen Y birth era
  • TV Shows during Gen X birth era
  • TV Shows during Baby Boomer birth era
  • TV Shows during Silent Generation birth era

Prize Package:  The winning writers will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package for teen or college student winner that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release - here's a link to last month's press release for reference.

View the StageofLife.com trend report on the gun control debate, our statistics on teens and guns from the national Stage of Life poll, and read over 300 original essays submitted on the gun debate topic...

Writing Contest Prompt:  Where do we go after the Newtown school shooting?

Essay Contest Winners:

• Teen & College Winner:  My Thoughts on Newtown: A Different Look at Violence in the Media by h.duncan28 (We are so used to violence that our reaction to it is conditioned)
• On My Own Winner:  My Thoughts On Newtown: Its the Gun Laws That are Flawed by Groovychef
• Parents Winner:  My thoughts on Newton: A time to refocus on life by Krissie
  
• Grandparents Winner:  My Thoughts on Newtown: Secure Our First Line of Defense by Readarose
  
• Empty Nest & Retired Winner:  My Thoughts on Newtown: Where DO We Go From Here? by Pammlofton
  

Teen and College Runners-Up (in no particular order):

1. My Thoughts on Newtown: America, wake up by kat.talerico (Other western countries have invoked stronger gun control laws and saw their gun/murder rates significantly decline)

2. My Thoughts on Newtown: So this is why I left The Old Country, an Immigrant Perspective by nive.raghavan (The second amendment doesn’t give you the right to kill with assault weapons)

3. My Thoughts on Newtown: More Violence Isn’t the Answer by Inspired (This teen’s mom was the victim of a gun crime… but fortunately lived)

4. My Thoughts on Newtown: Guns don’t kill people, people kill people by Lakea (68% of murder weapons are firearms)  

5. My Thoughts on Newtown: Yes, we can find a balance between gun rights and gun control by telltheworld (Violence will always occur, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to prevent it)

6. My Thoughts on Newtown: The rifle—my companion and another’s weapon by Winwinhh (This teen organized a response to the Newtown shooting in her all-girls school) 

7. My Thoughts on Newtown: Why someone could shoot innocent people by ritamarino2090 (Lanza was a victim of his disorder—a lonely man)

8. My Thoughts on Newtown: Guns are Not the Problem by Mind_of_BP (Focus on the people, not the guns)

9. My Thoughts on Newtown: The shooter by rhiFTW (This teen “feels bad” for the shooter) 

10. My Thoughts on Newtown: It’s a Human Problem by saraht314 (One in five Americans has a mental health issue) 

11. My Thoughts on Newtown: A Change Through Tragedy by lindseythibault (People with mental illnesses need to better treated, not just medicated 

12. My Thoughts on Newtown: Teach love, not hate by NCpollyCA (Teach people the value of a life) 

13. My Thoughts on Newtown: Shooting from the Hip About Gun Violence by michaelhourahan94 (This teen reevaluated his position on violence in society)

Teen and College Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. My Thoughts on Newtown: A Taxing Issue by wchung (Congress should tax the sale of guns)

2. My Thoughts on Newtown: Guns = Bloodshed by Ikraan (This Somali teen knows her homeland won’t ever be the same because of war)

3. My Thoughts on Newtown: Futures Cut Short by Gun Tragedies by olivia (Other countries have really strict gun control, something we need too) 

4. My Thoughts on Newtown: No guns, no gun violence. Simple logic by OliviaZZZ5 (The second amendment calls for a well-regulated militia, not a citizen army) 

5. My Thoughts on Newtown: The road to recovery by codster7 (When we can buy guns on Craigslist, we’ve got a problem)

6. My Thoughts on Newtown: Why schools are better off without guns by KelseyAN (The world isn’t divided into “good guys” and “bad guys”)

7. My Thoughts on Newtown: What’s behind it all? by s_barnett (We have deplorable mental health resources in this country)  

8. My Thoughts on Newtown: Action is Required by jcd14 (Mental illness is just like physical illness… but mental illness has a stigma)  

9. My Thoughts on Newtown: The person behind the trigger by bridgette1 (This teen has a mental disorders, and resents the stigma that comes with it) 

10. My Thoughts on Newtown: A Message for Gun Control and Prevention of Tragedy by C95 (Concealed officers and smart chips in guns would help prevent future tragedies)  

11. My Thoughts on Newtown: Searching for “We” by MariaRose (The divided debate must come together to find a solution)

12. My Thoughts on Newtown: Don’t fight fire with fire by EmiliaCristy (Violence doesn’t beget violence)  

13. My Thoughts on Newtown: Horrified but not Shocked by flummerie (Schools and communities should be familiar with gun safety)

14. My Thoughts on Newtown: We can’t blame the gun; we have to blame the people by CaseyBerg5 (Gun owners should be subject to random psychological tests)  

15. My Thoughts on Newtown: When Seconds Count, the Police are Only Moments Away by n0stalgic (A person wouldn’t attack an armed school)  

16.  My Thoughts on Newtown: Guns don’t kill people, people kill people by K.A.Duncan (Anyone and everyone can be a victim of gun violence)  

17. My Thoughts on Newtown: Tragedy will always exist by lvest (States should enact conceal and carry laws)

18. My Thoughts on Newtown: Stop pointing fingers by bbigday (This teen knows there is no one solution; she just wants her sense of safety back)  

19. My Thoughts on Newtown: Let’s Play the Game, Not Blame by Papples (Video games allow teens to release their aggressions in a fictional world)

20. My Thoughts on Newtown: Reporting Gun Violence the Right Way by ErinnClaire (Stop sensationalizing violence)  

21.  My Thoughts on Newtown: Desensitization by SEKOO (Violent video games desensitize us to death)

Details:  In the wake of last month's Newtown, CT school shooting, we are faced with a reality in 2013 that many of us want to change.  The tragedy brought another visceral reminder that something is wrong.  Newtown.  Oak Creek, WI.  Aurora, CO.  Fort Hood.  Virgina Tech.  And of course others...including tragic mass shootings that occur internationally.

Every day we hear soundbites from lawmakers, the gun lobby, mental health professionals, educators, media personalities, and others who have solutions for addressing what needs to happen to prevent another mass shooting.  Some advocate gun rights.  Others gun control. 

Who's right?

We'd like to hear from you. 

What would you propose to Congress, parents, school officials, gun advocacy groups, or the NRA after the events in Newtown in December?  Or, on a more emotional level, how do you simply feel about this event and what changes, if any, did it make in you?

And for everyone...where do we go from here?

Essay Title:  When submitting your writing contest essay, title it as follows: 

My thoughts on Newtown:  ____________ [include the "My thoughts on Newtown:" in the story title line but add your own headline following that so your essay title is unique]

Title Examples: 

• My thoughts on Newtown:  Guns are not evil, people are
  
• My thoughts on Newtown:  I didn't watch the news for two weeks - I couldn't watch another gun tragedy
  

• Do you feel safe at school or work?
• What would you do to improve security?
• Did your school or workplace take a moment of silence in the wake of Newtown?
  
• Is gun control needed?
• Is NRA’s CEO & EVP Wayne LaPierre's call to put police officers or armed security in every school something that would help?
• Some are calling for teachers to carry concealed weapons.  Is this a good idea?
  
• Does Newtown reflect a need for a larger mandate on the 2nd Amendment, i.e. that more law-abiding citizens should carry guns as a deterrent to violence?
• Are 1st shooter video games or harmful music lyrics to blame for the desensitization to violence that is causing cracks in our culture?
• Is mental health care, not guns, the core issue?
• Should everyone just move on and stop talking about this?
• Is there really anything we can do?

Prize Package:  The winning writers will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package for teen or college student winner that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• Prize package for non-student winner that includes $25-$50 gift card or gift card to one of our other writing contest sponsors:  Shoebuy.com, SpaWeek.com, or FragranceNet.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release - here's a link to last month's press release for reference.
  

Free Essay Contest:

This is a free writing contest.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee. ONE ESSAY ENTRY PER PERSON FOR THIS MONTH'S WRITING CONTEST.  However, you are welcome to blog about your life or other topics outside of this writing contest at any time on StageofLife.com

Contest Deadline:  

January 31, 2013 at midnight Pacific Standard Time (US)

Post Comments: 

We'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these writing contest essays.  Please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the essay-blog threads, especially since some of our writing prompts are sensitive in nature.  Nasty comments, personal attacks, or other such comments are not allowed and will be removed should they come to our attention.

Judging:

If you have questions about the rules or judging criteria for our writing contests, you can visit our Rules & Judging Criteria page.

Last Words - Share Your Story: 

Our hope is that your writing contest submission will positively impact others and help with our mission of making the world a better place, one story at a time.  Your essay may inspire others or even better, give you an opportunity to share a story that's simply important to you.

After you've submitted your essay, feel free to share the link to your essay on Facebook or Twitter.  Our essays are judged by real Editors, not popularity, but we do like to spread the word about our national, grassroots writing contest.   Also, please share this writing contest with Language Arts, English and History teachers, or on your blog. 

If you know a teacher who would like a free Stage of Life writing contest poster for his or her classroom, have them contact us.

About:

Read more about StageofLife.com and our mission

Writing Contest Prompt:  How will you be the change in 2013?

Essay Contest Winner(s):

• 1st Place:  Be the Change: From Obesity to Self-Destruction; it has to change by student1 (This teen wants to change how we view body image)
• 2nd Place:  Be the Change: I Will Change How I See Myself by n0stalgic (This teen invented “Nice Notes” as a way to improve her self-image)
• 3rd Place:  Be the Change: Help people accept themselves for who they are by sf_2012 (She is both Muslim and gay)

Runners-Up (in no particular order):

1. Be the Change: I will be respected by boys by EmilyWatson10250 (This teen rightfully demands respect from the boys in her life)
2.  Be the Change: I Will Reach Out to Others and Help them Read by Papples (This teen got involved with Reach Out and Read New Jersey)
3. Be the Change: Focusing on the Future by Britttany_maria (This teen plans on volunteering with Promises2Kids)
4. Be the Change: Love thy Family by wchung (This teen encourages others to love and get to know their families)
5. Be the Change: Reaching Corners by missemify (Make friends with someone who is shy)
6. Be the Change: Making a Difference to Those in Need by jordanb (She volunteers with the homeless)
7. Be the Change: How I will help people focus on the “special” instead of the “needs” of those with disabilities by gsobol (Stop using the r-word)

Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. Be the Change: I Will Stop Trying to be Perfect by cowsgomoo (This teen is tired of living in others’ shadows)
2. Be the Change: Roller Coaster of Life by AshlenS (This teen wants to take chances and start living)
3. Be the Change: I Will Carry Others by Inspired (“So while it’s small, and nothing like the essays I know I’ll read, this is my personal promise: I will be a better person. I will help others realize their self-worth, and their importance.”)
4. Be the Change: Enlighten the World with Art by lookingforanswers (This teen will make art)
5. Be the Change: I Discovered the Power of My Voice by waterssar (This teen joined Invisible Children in the fight against the LRA)
6. Be the Change: I will help decrease and prevent elderly depression by betsynderson (This teen volunteers to assist the elderly at her church group)
7. Be the Change: I will help change the outlook on life and give help to teenagers through music by Sadie Capri
8. Be the Change: It Begins with You by jennyzhcl (Make an effort to make a change)
9. Be the Change: Giving Simply Isn’t Helping by Mikki_Davis (She wants to see teens commit to helping others)
10. Be the Change: I will help people in my local schools to learn more about health by semegne (This Ethiopian teen started a club at his school to educate society about health problems—a resource Ethiopia is sorely lacking)
11. Be the Change: Rehabilitating Racehorses by laurenlove16 (This teen was touched by an injured racehorse)
12. Be the Change: Teachers Count Too by rportenti (This teen strives to find more funds for teachers)
13. Be the Change: How I will change my world with love and respect by racheljanie (This progressive teen will be doing charity work with a conservative Christian group in order to give to others)
14. Be the Change: Our Environment Needs Us by Taylorleebar (She is vice president of her school’s Green Team)
15. Be the Change: Banishing Hunger in 2013 and Beyond by rxing963 (This teen views the world via a rosy lens—but that is about to change)
16. Be the Change: Hunger, Hope, and One Serious Tan Line by MariaRose (This teen wears a ring that says “be the change”)

If you'd like to see all of the submitted essays along with a teen trend summary report about this writing contest...

Big Concept:  This writing prompt involves three big components:  You.  Change.  The World.  But don't get overwhelmed.  Instead...get specific.  Get local.  The more you can narrow your idea and really focus on a singular issue as the topic of your "be the change" essay, we can guarantee that you'll get a burst of inspiration. 

Inspiration:  Speaking of inspiration, the genesis for this month's writing contest came from...

High School senior, Virginia Lafontant, at Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial High School in Miami, FL.
Virginia has been conducting research and investigations on the media’s effect on youth’s perception of their body image.  She has interviewed youth in her community and initiated a media literacy program in her neighborhood schools to combat negative body image.  Her hope is to dedicate December as “Body-Love” month.  When we found out about Virginia's personal "be the change" mission, we knew there could be other great stories like this out there waiting to be told...or inspired to begin.

Be Real.  Be Yourself.  Do Research:  The strongest submissions for this essay contest will use a personal tone and point-of-view writing style that shares your "be the change" topic.  If you want to make your essay even stronger, we recommend doing a little research on your topic and adding a statistic (or two) or reference organizations and other pieces of helpful information that will illuminate core problems, issues, and/or solutions surrounding your "be the change" issue.  What we DON'T want are term papers submitted for this writing contest.  We want a 500 word essay. 

Resources:
Are you looking for a topic idea for your "be the change" essay?  Consider these issues:

• Self esteem / body image topics
• PTSD in soldiers / military issues
• Divorce issues / step-families
• The workings of the teenage brain
• Why teenagers take risks
• Cutting, Burning, Self-inflicted harm
• Suicide
• Various types of drug / alcohol abuse
• Underage drinking on college campuses
• Curfew laws
• School dress codes
• Teen pregnancy
• Family relationships
• Incest
• Child Abuse
• Foster care
• Poverty / Homelessness in teenagers
• Cyber bullying
• Steroid usage in sports
• Concussions in sports
• The Importance of extra-curricular activities
• Arts in schools
• The failure of public education
• No Child Left Behind / state mandated tests / SATs
• Pre-marital sex / love / crushes
• Running away from home
• Late start time for schools
• Obesity / health related topics
• Career related topics
• Homophobia / Gay / Lesbian / Transgender issues
• Media effects on girls / boys
• Violence in video games / video game addiction
• Title IX (girls in sports)
• Drinking and driving
• Stress in teenagers
• Goals, happiness, coping mechanisms
• Success in school / life / future (7 principals of highly effective teenagers)
• Illnesses (mental / physical)
• Human Trafficking

Prize Package:  The winning student writer will receive...

• A signed copy of the national bestseller, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv - Audubon Medal recipient.
• A signed copy Writing to Change the World, by NYTimes best selling author Mary Pipher
  
• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life pen
• Prize package that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release

This Writing Contest has ended

Writing Contest Prompt:  What was the most inspirational or important book you've ever read?

Essay Contest Winner(s):

• 1st Place:  My Favorite Book: “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger helped me realize that innocence is sacred by annika.lavina (Being a child is the most important part of your life)
• 2nd Pace:  My Favorite Book: “The Prince of Tennis” by Takeshi Konomi inspired me to surpass self-limitations by rin_kuang (“Painting with a tattered brush is challenging, but not impossible”)
• 3rd Place (Two Essays): My Favorite Book: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling shaped me into the individual I am today by ccronin2006 (“Harry Potter is my light”) AND My Favorite Book: “Wreath” by Judy Christie inspired me to believe in myself by NicoleEmily (This teen was inspired to take control of her life)

Runners-Up (in no particular order):

1. My Favorite Book: “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss opened a world of words for me by jennyzhcl (This book helped this teen to learn English)
2. My Favorite Book: “Hero” by Perry Moore dawned a new part of me by severalatoms (This teen’s “shell” was cracked)
3. My Favorite Book: The novel “Hold Still” by Nina LaCour helped me to accept and comprehend my best friend’s attempted suicide by SHuss (This book helped her recover)
4. My Favorite Book: “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan made me appreciate my mom even more (while short in length, this essay epitomizes the astounding effects of concision - how few words can convey so much meaning)
5. My Favorite Book: “The Nature of Jade” by Deb Caletti inspired me to fix the way I treat people by RBrown201 (This teen found happiness in a sour mental state)
6. My Favorite Book: “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte inspired me to do independent by krmurphy91 (Independence comes before marriage)

Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. My Favorite Book: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll inspired me to write my own stories by KorperTaco (This book was this teen’s first step into literature)
2. My Favorite Book: “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque and Holding my Fire by maggiemoss (Learn to hold your tongue)
3. My Favorite Book: “Cut” by Patricia McCormick: The White Rose Turned Red by Violet Angel (Cutting only creates a bigger problem)
4. My Favorite Book: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green helped me learn to move on by artsygirl (“Time is fleeting, and we have to embrace every moment”)
5. My Favorite Book: “Grim Tuesday” by Garth Nix got me to like reading by triciadeelicia (This teen loathed reading... until she found this book)
6. My Favorite Book: “Halo: First Strike” by Eric Nylund inspired me to strive for my goals by Lennyyy (The popular video game series writes inspiring, meaningful prose)
7. My Favorite Book: “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch reminded me of the ticking clock by Youngster (This book made this teen better)
8. My Favorite Book: Reading “Mort” by Terry Prachett brought me more than just a favorite author by mimicats (At the very least, a book to cheer you up)
9. My Favorite Book: “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway taught me to accept life’s difficulties by kb1002 (It is possible to overcome suffering)
10. My Favorite Book: “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac forced me to accept reality by klobes (This teen saw himself in Sal)
11. My Favorite Book: “Saving Francesca” by Melina Marchetta helped me conquer my insecurities by Inspired (It’s alright to be insecure)
12. My Favorite Book: “This is Your Brain on Music” by Daniel Levitin Joined Black and White by sisilee (How could music and the cold world of science connect?)
13. My Favorite Book: “Through My Eyes” by Tim Tebow gave me the confidence I needed by Rocco12 (This teen applied the book’s message to her life)
14. My Favorite Book: “Warriors Don’t Cry” by Melba Pattillo by Synieshiea (This teen came to understand racism still exists today)
15. My Favorite Book: “What Language Is” by John McWhorter gave me power over my words by jacqueline.feng (Her entire perception of language was changed my this book)
16. My Favorite Book: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card inspired my dark side of writing by Christisump (This teen works hard to make their characters seem real)

---

Details:  After years of asking students to submit personal, inspirational essays about everything from their favorite songs to their favorite movies, surprisingly, we never asked students to write an essay about their favorite book.  For those of you familiar with StageofLife.com, you know we're one of the nation's leading digital literacy initiatives.  We hope our monthly writing contests are inspiring teens and college students to change the world, one story at a time.

• The book that inspired you to think differently. 
• The book that most challenged your world view. 
• The book that you simply couldn't put down. 
• The book that first made you cry.
• The book that gave you new insight into a part of your personality.
• The book you could read again and again.

• Stage of Life's Recommended Books every student should read before graduation
• Modern Library's Top 100 Novels
• Harvard Book Stores Top 100 Books
• Time Magazine's All-TIME 100 Best Non-Fiction Books
• Have a list for us to add here, contact us

Prize Package:  The winning writer will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG
• Prize package that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention and link to your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release.  Example:  View our press release from the Teens and Music writing contest:  Teens and Music

This Writing Contest has ended

October Writing Contest Prompt:  How have sports positively (or negatively) shaped traditions in your family?

• 1st PLACE:  Sports Traditions: Crossing the Gap by Papples (Although a self-proclaimed nerd, this teen enjoys tennis)
• 2nd PLACE:  Sports Traditions: It’s More Than a Game, It’s Who You Are by mnadelman (This teen worked up the courage to tell his parents about his girlfriend, but his dad only wanted to know one thing…)
• 3rd PLACE:  Sports Traditions: Not Daddy’s Little Girl by MikkiB326 (After a lot of tough luck, this teen found one sport she was good at)
• 4th PLACE:  Sports Traditions: Thanksgiving Day Bickering by tciufo (This teen’s family religiously watches football every Thanksgiving)

1. Sports Traditions: My Lonesome Tradition by NCpollyCA (People don’t expect this teen girl to love the Giants)
2. Sports Traditions: I Don’t Have to Watch the Sports World, Because I Live in it by Elizabeth (This teen feels weird knowing her sports career may be coming to an end)
3. Sports Traditions: Not So Sporty by maggie (Her dad tries to get her involved in sports, but she isn’t interested)
4. Sports Traditions: Bread and Circuses by dhurley424 (It is unfair to glorify sports professionals)

1. Sports Traditions: The One-Week Deal by jypark112 (This teen was surprised by his own athletic inclination when he tried out for the basketball team)
2. Sports Traditions: Cheerleaders at a Rat Race by lnovak (Her family will always cheer her on)
3. Sports Traditions: My family plays football every summer, if “play” is a loose enough term by mere_z (This teen’s “tribe” of a family gathers every summer and plays football)
4. Sports Traditions: Fantasy Football Brings Our Family Together by Eli (His family is very busy, but that doesn’t stop them from checking their stats)
5. Sports Traditions: My Twin Saved Me by eeyoregirl30 (After spending a tough time in the hospital, this teen grew better with her twin watching football)
6. Sports Traditions: Faust Fanatic by faustta (This teen lives and breathes sports)
7. Sports Traditions: Couch coaching by NateD (His family is full of Ravens fans)
8. Sports Traditions: Paintballing by FancyCat (Think before you move)
9. Sports Traditions: Thanks, Joe-vechkin! by YouAreLoved316 (This teen learned about hockey for her cousin)

• Does your family have a favorite sports team they cheer for?  If so, are there any family traditions that surround supporting the favorite team?
• Are you or someone in your family a sports junkie?  Why is that?
• Do your parents emphasize or de-emphasize sports in your family?  Why?
• Are sports a positive or negative thing in your family household?  Why?
• What is the first childhood memory you have relating to playing or watching sports?  Is it a good or bad memory?  Why?
• Do you play sports with immediate members of your family?
• Do you and one of your parents belong to the same social media group tied to a particular sports team?  For instance:  Moms and daughters that "like"the Purple Ladies Facebook Fan Page for female Ravens fans.  Does cheering for the same team on game day bring you and your family closer together?  What is that experience like?

Prize Package:  The winning student writer will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG
• Prize package that includes 2 Complimentary Movie Tickets from the nation's leading moviegoer destination Fandango.com
  
• A mention of your essay in Stage of Life's national monthly press release.  Example:  View release from the Sept 2012 writing contest:  Teens and Music

Essay Title:  When submitting your writing contest essay, title it as follows: 

Sports Traditions:  ____________ [add your own unique headline about how sports have impacted family traditions]. 

Title Examples: 

• Sports Traditions:  We ate a Hershey Kiss for every score Green Bay made!
• Sports Traditions:  I didn't watch a professional sporting event on TV until I got to college

This Contest has Ended

Writing Contest Topic:  Politics and Passion

Submit an essay that shares your political "passion issue" and which Presidential Candidate is best suited to make a positive difference (or improvement) on the issue?

TO READ OUR TEEN and POLITICS TREND REPORT, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE SUBMITTED, QUALIFYING POLITICAL TEEN ESSAYS

1. My Passion Issue: One with a Bright Past Can Create a Bright Future by lauren.nordstrom (Romney plans to help the economy)
2. My Passion Issue: Equal Respect for All by sjluvsu (Racism is still alive and well today—as indicated by what this teen witnessed in an airport)
3. My Passion Issue: The Right to Love by Writer Selbe (Obama cares for the oppressed)
4. My Passion Issue: Wise Cracks of Elephants and Donkeys by Joel.Metzger (Romney will create a stronger economy)
5. My Passion Issue: I want my kids to grow up in a world where being gay isn’t considered “bad” or “immoral” by oceaneyes (The more that we limit GLBT rights, the more people will justify hate crimes)
6. My Passion Issue: Will there be jobs for me when I graduate? by mpaltan (Work hard and you will be rewarded)
7. My Passion Issue: Abortion can be the best option for the child, but hardly anyone realizes that by maddierose98 (If abortion became illegal, women would die seeking them)
8. My Passion Issue: Acceptance Over Ignorance by jeromebostwick (Obama understands the needs of others even though he is neither gay nor a woman)
9. My Passion Issue: Why are American children fat? by nmschreibsss (The Obamas are fighting childhood obesity)
10. My Passion Issue: Healthcare by abhatla (Obama makes healthcare affordable)

1. My Passion Issue: Affordable Healthcare: What being pro-life actually looks like by lizzy_wimberly (No American should go bankrupt because they can’t afford necessary healthcare)
2. My Passion Issue: I love Israel, America should too by Judd12 (Romney will protect and support Israel)
3. My Passion Issue: Romney for President by emily.johnson (Obama’s plan hasn’t worked so we need a change)
4. My Passion Issue: The Art of Education by nemanjalilic (Romney will improve education)
5. My Passion Issue: Knowledge is Power by melissa.duffy (Obama will leads teens into a more educated future)
6. My Passion Issue: Reforming Immigration Policy to Provide Immigrants with a Political Voice by parkman2626 (Immigrants should have the right to vote)
7. My Passion Issue: America by morningglory217 (Obama doesn’t see foreigners as lazy)
8. My Passion Issue: Immigrants aren’t Criminals by emelin (“It is sad that some Americans don’t want [immigrants] here”)
9. My Passion Issue: Can’t it be changed? by Dainkim (Even though he is a legal immigrant, he doesn’t have healthcare)
10. My Passion Issue: National Security by broadwaybethany (Romney won’t let our country be attacked again)

• Are politics openly discussed at the family dinner table or is it a taboo topic?  Or...do your parents not care about voting or who is running for office at all?
• When your parents do talk about politics, what topics or issues are usually discussed the most passionately?  What gets your parents excited or angry? 
• Do you agree with them?
• Are these the same issues that make you the most passionate?
• Throughout your life, have your parents given you a positive or negative experience on voting, politics or the issues that face your country?  Did your parents take you to vote with them when you were little?
• What is a typical conversation like with your parents about a political topic?  (Use dialogue in your essay)
• Do you feel you have a political voice in your country?  Why or why not?

Prize Package:  The winning writers will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG
• Prize package that includes 2 Complimentary Passes to any Regal Entertainment Group theater.
• A feature of your essay in our national monthly press release

Essay Title:  When submitting your writing contest essay, title it as follows: 

My Passion Issue:  ____________ [add your own unique headline about the political issue most important to you]. 

Title Examples: 

• My Passion Issue:  College is too expensive, I want a President that will protect my access to loans or college funding
• My Passion Issue:  All people should be treated equal, regardless of sexual orientation
• My Passion Issue:  I'm young and don't want to pay the debt of others...get the national debt under control!

Contest Deadline:  

Sept. 30, 2012 at midnight Pacific Standard Time (US)

This Contest has Ended

Writing Contest Topic:  Share a story about a song that was incredibly important or inspiring to you at one point in your life.

To view ALL of the essays for this writing contest and a full summary report of the poll, click below. 

Essay Winner:

1. My Song: “Eyes Open” Helped Me Fight the Night by minito50 (This teen was inspired to get to work)
2. My Song: “Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” by Joyce Hager (A love story in song form)
3. My Song: “Both of Us” by B.O.B. feat. Taylor Swift is the story of my life by livisan (This song accurately describes her struggles)
4. My Song: “Hammers and Strings” by Jack’s Mannequin made me worth something to myself by Writer Selbe (She found reassurance in a song that sounds like it was written for her)
5. My Song: “I’ll Be There For You” showed me that high school friendships weren’t going anywhere by KL94 (High school graduations brought bittersweet feelings)
6. My Song: “I Will Wait For You” by Connie Francis reminds me of my childhood promise by ShaunaMarieJ (She made an important promise to her grandmother)
7. My Song: “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz by iJulestheWorld (A Yale rejection made this teen stumble over her “life plan”)
8. My Song: “Shattered” (by Trading Yesterday), just like my amnesiac ex-best friend’s memory by KuronoxShizaya (Her friend suffered a terrible accident and was left with few memories)
9. My Song: The album “Tennessee” saved me from myself by amanda.tucker (She turned to bad decisions after an unexpected breakup)
10. My Song: “Till I Collapse” by Eminem was my lifeline in tenth grade by thocho23 (He struggled with adapting to a new school 10,000 miles from home)
11. My Song: My love song made by the universe by AlyRose (This song can’t be accurately described)

Semi-Finalists (in no particular order):

1. My Song: “The Christmas Song”, sung by Nat King Cole, fills my mind with wonderful family memories and life lessons by momaloft (She hopes to share life lesson with her children and grandchildren)
2. My Song: “Taking You Home” by Don Henley was the perfect wedding song for Sue and I by Tom_Leskiw (He searched for the perfect song for a second marriage)
3. My Song: “Citizen Soldier” by 3 Doors Down: It’s Me by derrick.jayska (This song calmed him down when he was deploying overseas)
4. My Song: “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band reminds me that my marriage is worth the effort by momaloft (This song calms the anger in their relationship)
5. My Song: “Everybody Hurts” pulls me from the abyss by jildaleigh (This song restores her faith in herself)
6. My Song: “I’ll Be Missing You” by riserthinking (This song reminds this teen of pleasant memories with an old friend)
7. My Song: Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by watchinxfileswiththelightson (Taylor Swift understands her hard break up)
8. My Song: “Anthem Part Two”—Unifying a Generation by jwilson (Adults need to give teens more credit)
9. My Song: “Breathe” for Jared by defalinician (A story of sadness for an old friend)
10. My Song: “Don’t Cha” helped mend a broken heart by lookingforanswers (This fun and silly song helped cheer her friend up in her time of need)
11. My Song: “Yellow” by Coldplay Taught Me the Art of the Stars by marameama (The stars are peaceful)
12. My Song: “Patience” was an everyday reminder by amanda.tucker (Don’t give up on love)
13. My Song: “Heaven is a Place on Earth”. Really. by zenarein (Fond memories with friends)
14. My Song: “Hey Jude” by artfreak889 (A poem about the famous Beatles song)
15. My Song: “Alice” by Avril Lavigne reminds me of my struggle finding my major for college by fluffystatickitty09 (She couldn’t decide on a major)
16. My Song: “Home” by Phillip Phillips lets me know that home is wherever I am with the ones by lookingforanswers (Good feelings during the Olympics)
17. My Song: “The House that Built Me” the song that points me to where I belong by yancy1 (This song helped her through a tough and difficult time)
18. My Song: “I Believe” reminded me that I really do believe by efeldan (This teen successfully ran a half-marathon)
19. My Song: Be “Mean” (by Taylor Swift) all you want but see if I budge by swohsmsj (She was horribly bullied by adults and kids when she was growing up)
20. My Song: “Party Rock” in the House Every Saturday by parkman2626 (This song broke up the monotony in a tough biology SAT class)
21. My Song: “Ronda Alla Turca” by Mozart taught me nothing’s perfect by emily.jamison1 (This teen learned more about music from this song than anything else)
22. My Song: “Stand By Me” reminds me of the unwavering devotion of my best friend by SmilinAlltheWay (Her childhood best friend continues to stand by her side despite their distance)
23. My Song: Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” helped me on by ecat197 (This teen wouldn’t let rejection get her down)
24. My Song: “Superstar” and how Chinese pop inexplicably helped me become more confident by Hatman (This song helped this teen loosen up in a scary situation)
25. My Song: “Sway” helped me remember the love instead of the distance by madeline101 (Her boyfriend asked her out in a romantic and unexpected way)
26. My Song: “Teenage Daughters” by Martina McBride taught me that boys leave but moms stay by horsekisses1 (A bad break-up inspired her mom to show her how much she loved hers)
27. My Song: “What Makes You Beautiful”: the song I should NOT have danced to by katie_selena (She had an embarrassing interaction with her crush)

Prize Package:  The winning writer will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG
• Prize package from Stage of Life essay sponsors featuring over $100 in gift certificates from...

Essay Title:  When submitting your writing contest essay, title it as follows: 

My Song:  ____________ [add your own unique headline about the song as it pertains to your life]. 

Title Examples: 

• My Song: "These Arms of Mine" by Otis Redding reminds me how much I love my wife
• My Song: "Blister in the Sun" reminded me in high school that I must go on
• My Song:  I painted my entire house listening only to The Darkness

STUDENTS:  Aside from the writing contest, if you're a major music fan or personally know a band, songwriter or musician and would like to write a formal music review for Stage of Life about that band, check out our Teens and Music page for details (and for some tips on new music to check out).

Contest Deadline:  

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED AND IS BEING JUDGED.  SEMI-FINALISTS AND WINNER(S) WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE AFTER SEPT. 15TH.

Prize Package and Winner:  One or two winners will be selected, along with finalists.  The winner and semi-finalists will be announced here after Sept. 15th, 2012.  Winner and semi-finalists will be contacted by a StageofLife.com staffer via the email used to register for the website.

This Contest has Ended

Writing Contest Topic:  How has Nature inspired you?

To view ALL of the essays for this writing contest and a full summary report of the poll...

 

1. Nature: It Brings Me Peace by laurelx96 (Teens should be relaxing in the sun, not inside)
2. Nature: iNature—What Does it Mean for Us? by MousyNona (We currently live in the Anthropocene—the age of man)
3. Nature: Something to be experienced, not seen by emilykaufman (When people want to experience something, they first go online) 
4. Nature: Real Life in HD by lizink (Technology belongs in our life, but sometimes we need to turn off the power and go outside)
5. Nature: The element of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers by 000025731 (This teen loves the mountains and skiing)
6. Nature: It will not lose to us by kchang (Personifying nature)
7. Nature: The Treasure of Memories by Agoi77 (A teen reflects on her memories of nature as a child)
8. Nature: Can Feelings Change? by kaela13nicole (Her sister helped change her perspective on nature and camping)
9. Nature: A New Me by Monica (Her life’s ambition changed very quickly after spending time in nature)
10. Nature: The First, Yet Best, Teacher of Man by cdeviraji (Nature is our mother)
11. Nature: Waterfalls and Adventures by zenarein (Nature is best experienced in person)
12. Nature: Use it, don’t abuse it by proskaterlol (Humans should treat nature like its mother)
13. Nature: We Don’t Need Grass Beneath Our Feet by jkim4 (An environment of ideas, like New York City, is more important than an environment)
14. Nature: brings out a simpler life by OliviaZZZ5 (She prefers Skyping to being outdoors, but she also doesn’t neglect nature)
15. Nature: My Black, White, Red, Blue, Wild Backyard by 13jbeed (She moved across the world during her life)
16. Nature: It’s a Necessity for Teens to Reconnect with Nature by thewildyouth (Being outdoors makes this teen feel better)
17. Nature: The giver of change and hope by wolflover16 (Her family employs those with little education to work on their farm)

• A colorful memory from your childhood involving the outdoors
• Traditions that take you and your family outside into nature, and how that has shaped who you are
• Your own social commentary on how you think today's teens connect (or not) with nature
• Information about your favorite conservation effort
• A passionate story about an outdoor based hobby like surfing or gardening?  How does that activity fuel you?
• Thoughts about Anthropocene (recently covered in National Geo and TIME).  Once a certain tipping point occurs, will man need to create his own nature since the real thing will be gone (and thus no longer needed to be protected)?  Can man play God and create nature?
• A review of a Transcendentalist like Thoreau.  How do famous lines like "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life...I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life," apply today?
• Or...an essay about how all of this nature talk is maybe overdone.  Are people making a fuss about nature over nothing?

So tell us...are today's teens nature-deficit?  Is nature still relevant?  Do we need to go outside?  Why?

Pick a point-of-view using the above ideas or prompts or create your own.  But by June 30th, we want hear how nature has inspired you.  Remember - this a writing contest about nature - so please be vivid and use strong details in your writing.

Submit a 300-500 word essay using the "Submit Essay" button below.  Your Stage of Life essay may just inspire someone (over 125,000 teens submit essays and/or read the submitted stories here on StageofLife.com every year).

Prize Package:  The winning student will receive...

• Signed copy of Mr. Richard Louv's book
• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG package
• A $30 Gift Card from Fibers.com

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Writing Contest Topic:  "What do you attribute to the decline of teen pregnancies?"

So tell us...

Submit a 500 word essay about this writing contest topic on teen pregnancy trends using the "Submit Essay" button below.  Share your thoughts with the world - your Stage of Life essay may just inspire someone (over 125,000 teens submit essays and/or read the submitted stories here on StageofLife.com every year).

Prize Package:  The winning essay will receive...

• A spot as a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG package
• Link to their submitted essay will be featured in Stage of Life's national press release in June from MarketWire
• A $30 Gift Card from Fibers.com

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Writing Contest Topic:  What movie has made the biggest difference in your life?

View full summary and essays for this writing contest:

 

Essay Winners:

• What film's message inspired you to do something positive?
• What film encouraged you to change in some way?
• What film helped you through a difficult or hard time?
• What film contains a message that everyone should hear?
• And for a few ideas - check out our Top 10 list of films about teens. 

Prize Package:  TWO writing contest winners will be selected along with several semi-finalists. The winners will enjoy a FREE movie! Regal Entertainment Group, which includes all Regal Cinemas, United Artists theatres and Edwards Theatres, has over 520 locations in 37 states and the District of Columbia where the tickets can be used. Tickets are not valid for the first 12 days of “selected” new release films, special engagements or where prohibited by contractual obligations. Not valid for RPX, IMAX, 3-D films  or special events. Visit www.REGmovies.com for theatre locations and show times.

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Writing Contest Topic:  Dedicate a Poem to Someone Who Matters

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Prize Package:  TWO writing contest winners will be selected along with several semi-finalists.  The two poetry winners will receive a the following: a signed copy of PoemCrazy by  Susan Wooldridge and will be featured in Stage of Life's national press release from Marketwire. 

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Writing Contest Topic:  What is your definition of love?

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Details:  Teens and college students find themselves in an on-going dance as they court, woo, avoid, or try to win the romantic affections or attention of someone they like, admire...love.

Consider these famous quotes about love...

• "If you have it [love], you don't need to have anything else. If you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have" --James M Barrie
• "All we need is love."  --John Lennon
• "Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable."  --Henry Ward Beecher
• "Love is like pi -- natural, irrational, and very important." --Lisa Hoffman
• "For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.   I can live without money, but I cannot live without love."  --Judy Garland
• "Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love."  --Albert Einstein
• "If you can't be with one you love, love the one you're with."  --Stephen Stills

It goes without saying that love can be either the happiest emotion or most tragic.  Just look at your parents.  Your grandparents.  Romeo and Juliet.  Or Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.  From happy to tragic to absurd, love runs the gamut.  But these platitudes are all relative, because love will always be different for everyone.  How can we pin down a definition of love?

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Writing Contest Topic:  Who is the Person to Watch in 2012?

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Winner: Person to Watch in 2012: The one who is invisible by danzlikekrazay (Be a friend to the outcasts)

Details:  Last month, TIME magazine named "The Protestor" their Person of the Year for 2011.  That got us thinking...okay, but who is the person to watch in 2012?  Our Editors started throwing out a few suggestions during our writing topic brainstorm, but this writing contest is not about us...we want to hear from you.  So, in looking back at the last 12 months and considering the future, who would you nominate as the Person to Watch for 2012, and why? 

Whether it's a celebrity, an innovator, a politician, a cultural icon, an up-and-coming artist, a rising star or someone more personal in your life, we want to hear, in 500 words or less, who your Person to Watch for 2012 would be.

In your essay, please creatively tell us...

• Who is this person?
• What did they do in 2011 that puts them on the radar for 2012?
• What impact has this person made on you?
• Do they make you laugh?  Do they perform great feats?  What's so special about this person?  Why is he/she important?
• Do you have any predictions on the impact (positive or negative) that this person could make on society, science, culture, etc. in the coming year?

All essays will immediately be published on StageofLife.com once submitted, but the best essay responses will be compiled on a summary page and shared on the site in February 2012.  Revisit this page to get the link to that summary.

Prize Package:  One writing contest winner will be selected along with 10 finalists.  The essay winner will receive a prize package from StageofLife.com and our sponsors valuing more than $50.

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Writing Contest:  Awareness Month Nomination - What issue or cause should receive its own "awareness" month?

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Details:  We saw NFL players wearing pink throughout October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.  We will pay tribute to the role of African-Americans throughout February during Black History month.  Now think about the topics on which you're passionate, and share your thoughts on a single issue or cause that should receive its own awareness month. 

In your essay, please creatively tell us...

• Is this a local, regional, national, international or planetary issue?
• Why is this issue important?
• Who does the issue impact?
• How could the message be spread?
• Are there any organizations, companies or blogs currently trying to make a difference to increase awareness on this issue?

Here's the exciting part...

This is going to be our first-ever, site-wide writing contest on StageofLife.com (verses the individual monthly writing contests).  So no matter what your stage of life may be, we want everyone, from teens to Baby Boomers, to share their vision and thoughts on how we could make the world a better place through your personal nomination of a societal issue that needs increased awareness in its own Awareness Month.

The best essay responses will be compiled on a summary page and shared via a national press release in early 2012.

$250 Prize Package:  One essay winner will be selected from across all writing contest entries in all life stages on StageofLife.com  We will also select 10 finalists, one from each life stage.  The solo-winner will receive a prize package valued at over $250:

• $100 in cash from StageofLife.com
• $50 gift card from contest sponsor, BareNecessities.com
• $50 gift card from contest sponsor, FragranceNet.com
• $25 gift card from contest sponsor, KodakGallery.com
• $25 gift card from contest sponsor, Shoebuy.com
• Free Pillow from contest sponsor, Sleepy's
• Free T-Shirt from contest sponsor, T-Shirts.com
• Stage of Life SWAG package, including letter from Stage of Life CEO
• Invitation to become a Featured Writer on StageofLife.com

Writing Contest Prize Sponsors

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Writing Contest - "Trust and Safety:  Do you trust our institutions to keep us safe?"

View summary, essay finalists, and other details for this writing contest:

 

“Let every eye negotiate for itself and trust no agent."
--William Shakespeare

"Trust, but verify."
--Ronald Reagan

Details: As we look ahead to Halloween, there are scarier things than ghosts and goblins in the lives of today's teenagers and college students. 

For instance, from a historical perspective, Baby Boomers grew up living under the threat of nuclear Armageddon, complete with classroom drills to hide under their desks in the case of nuclear attack.  However, today's teenagers and college students have been growing up in their own unique time: 

• The threat of internet predators, cyber-bullying, and other online dangers.
• The threat of school shootings and lock-downs.
• The threat of terrorism.

These threats aren't often overt, but rather simmering in the background.  Our culture has adjusted to these threats through Parental Internet Settings, "Code Red Lock Down" drills at school, full-body scans at airports, and The Patriot Act.  Interestingly, many of these security changes came into play during a short period between 1999-2002 (think Columbine and post 9/11), which means today's teens have been living under the shadow of these threats throughout their formative years.  In fact, it's business as usual for most teens...a part of life. 

But at the end of the day, how do you, as a student, feel about these threats, and do you have trust in your parents, school or government (the major institutions around you) to keep you safe?

• Do you trust your parents to keep your home safe?
• Do you trust your school to keep your education environment safe?
• Do you trust your government to keep your national security safe?

Your writing contest essay submission can be political, philosophical, or personal.  It can be positive or negative.  It can patriotic or critical.  It can offer solutions, or share concerns.  But it has to be 500 words or less and an honest response to this serious question to be considered for judging. 

Our hope is that your essay will help make the world a better place.

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Writing Contest - "Teacher Appreciation: What important life lesson have you learned from a teacher?"

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.” --Henry Brooks Adams

View summary for this writing contest:

 

• Classes that made memories.
• Teachers that inspired you to do something different.
• An educational experience that re-shaped your views on the world.
• A class that was more entertaining than YouTube (is that possible?)

This month, think back to a favorite class or educator (teacher/coach/director/principal).  Whether it was their attitude, the way they taught, or a life lesson you learned from their class/sport/activity, how did this person make a positive impact in your life?

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Writing Contest:  "Letter to Me"

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Details:  We want you to write a letter to yourself.  Yes, you heard us...a letter to yourself.  Take 15 minutes, alone, and spend some time thinking about the upcoming school year.  Think about the things you want to accomplish.  The things you fear.  Think about where you've been and where you're going.  Think about how your summer has been going.   What are you looking forward to?  What are you dreading about the return to school?  Think about your goals.  Think about if you're looking to make a big change this year...or simply survive? 

After all of that thinking, now write a "Letter to Me."  This is a letter addressed to yourself.  Tackle some of the topics we've outlined above...or get creative and come up with your own original angle for the letter.

The purpose of writing this letter for the contest is two fold...

1. Once the school year starts, it will serve as a reminder about where your head was for the beginning of the school year, potentially providing you some direction as you progress this year.  You can always come back to StageofLife and revisit your summer essay (we suggest you post the link to your essay on Facebook or somewhere so others can read it, too).
2. AND...your essay could just possibly serve as an inspiration for other students (we're positive you'll find some interesting letters as they start to appear on Stage of Life).

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Writing Contest - Bullies

View summary, essay finalists, and other details for this writing contest:

 

Winner:  Bullies: I was bullied because of my acne by annchovy

Writing Contest Details/Background:  

Bullying.  Teasing.   Harassing.

Whatever you want to call it, bullying is a problem in many schools and continues to be a hot topic in the national press.  We've know many students experienced some form of bullying in the past year.  For some, it may have occurred just once this, while for others, it happened daily.

And this problem isn't just confined to one group.

Take a look at the hit TV Show, "Glee" and you'll see that bullying happens to both the popular and unpopular, the beautiful and the ugly, the talented and normal.

So...we want to hear your story...

• Have you been bullied?  Why?

• Were you able to overcome it or is it still happening?

• If you haven't been bullied but saw it happening, did you say or do anything?  Why or why not?

• For the bravest amongst you...tell us if you have been a bully, what you did and if you ever apologized or made it right (or why you haven't).

Resource...Watch these Videos:

LearntobeHealthy.org is an online health education center that has been designed to communicate physical and mental health science education concepts to students K-12 through health educational resources such as games, activities, and health education lesson plans.

Thank you to Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International for permission to share this inspiring “Walk in Another’s Shoes” video created by the Kidpower of Colorado Teen Advisory Board. Kidpower is an international nonprofit leader in bullying, violence, and abuse prevention skills training. Check out Kidpower’s free on-line Library and free e-newsletter.  For publications, long-distance coaching, and in-person workshops, visit www.kidpower.org

Did You Know: 

Here are some helpful links related to this writing contest.  Feel free to explore these resources before or after you've entered the writing contest to get a better understanding about bullying or the reasons teenagers are bullied...

• Learning Disabilities Association of America: http://www.ldanatl.org/

• Feeding America: http://feedingamerica.org/how-we-fight-hunger/programs-and-services/network-programs/backpack-program.aspx

• American Disability Association: http://www.adanet.org/

• GLBTQ:   http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq-issues-home

• Local Food Bank Example (Arkansas): http://www.arkansasfoodbank.org/

• Educators:  Get access to the bullying prevention lesson plans at http://www.LearntobeHealthy.org

• Stop Bullying: http://www.stopbullying.gov/

• Kidzworld: http://www.kidzworld.com

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Writing Contest: What Teens Learned about Their Parents

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Winner:  My Parents: I’ve learned from my father always by tonytonycc

Writing Contest Details/Background:  

We grow up under the guidance of these people called "parents." They like to walk around and act like they own the place.  They changed our diapers.  They burped us.  They fed us.  And they loved us.  Some maybe had better ways of showing it than others, but they all did love us in their own way.

Suddenly, as teenagers, after years of care-giving, coaching, discipline, and "please eat your vegetables," we find ourselves in a place where we can suddenly pretty much take care of ourselves without our parents. 

When did that happen?

At some point, we figured things out for ourselves or had quiet (or loud) guidance from the above. 

But here's the rub...now that you don't need as much help as you think and you're starting to figure out the world and your place in it, have you ever stopped to consider your parent's place in it?  More plainly put...what do your parents think about, feel about, care about, or remember as key parts of their past?  You know them as your "parents," but who are they as people?  

Do you even want to find out?

Well...we're curious.

In honor of Mother's Day (post honoring) and Father's Day (this month), grab one of your parents and ask them to tell you something that you don't know about them.  This question may stump them.  They may not know what to say.  But ask them anyway.  And then write an essay about that experience.  We have a feeling you'll learn more than you expect from this experience.

Did You Know: 

Here are some helpful links related to this contest.  Feel free to explore these resources before or after you've entered the writing contest to get a better understanding about fathers and mothers...

1. Fathers.com
2. DIYfather.com
3. Others?  Are we missing crucial support sites?  If you have suggestions - please send us a note and we'll get them posted.  Contact Us

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Writing Contest: What was the most difficult thing you overcame this school year?

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Winner:  I Overcame my first break-up by schoi94 (Streams of thought about her recent break-up with her boyfriend)

Runners-Up: 

• I overcame loss by Mancub55 (This teen lost his dad in the course of a day)
• I Overcame a soldier’s transition by JasonmDouglas (This soldier found an easy transition to civilian life by enrolling in college)
• I Overcame my fear of working in an unfamiliar environment and being proactive by KristyC (This teen tutored non-English speaking students)
• The Night of August 10, 2010 (The Night I Was Raped) Did I Overcome It? by Purple.Moonlite (She was able to overcome her fear of her rapist and speak in court)
• I Overcame Being in the Psych Ward by Sidney820 (Prose about this writer’s experience in a psych ward)

Writing Contest Details/Background:  

We all go through the fire.  For teens and college students, the formative years of growing into adulthood often bring stresses and pressures from lots of angles...

• Problems at home
• Issues at school
• Pressure from friends
• Lack of confidence from within
• Etc.

What we want to hear from you this month is your personal story in which you were faced with an obstacle, challenge, issue or problem (big or small) during the school year and how you then dealt with it. 

Our hope is that your StageofLife.com essay will help other teens and college students gain some wisdom from your experiences so that they too can find comfort in the idea that others have overcome a similar situation. 

Please help inspire others with your story - we can guarantee your experiences and words can make a positive difference with another person reading your blog entry on StageofLife.com.

Did You Know:  Here are some helpful links to review.  Feel free to explore these student resources before or after you've entered the writing contest...

1. Graduation Issues:  GetSchooled.com

2. Family Issues:  Teen Advice on Family Issues from About.com

3. Bullying Issues:  This Has to Stop YouTube Intro from LearntobeHealthy.org

4. School Issues:  ReachOut.com

5. Friend or Self-Esteem Issues:  YourLifeYourVoice.org

6. Drug & Alcohol Issues:  TeenZeen.org

7. Others?  Are we missing crucial support sites?  If you have suggestions - please send us a note and we'll get them posted.  Contact Us

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Writing Contest Question:  "Prom - a positive or negative teen tradition?"

View summary for this writing contest:

 

Winner: Prom: Catching a Fairytale 

• Runner-Up:  Prom: To Go or Not to Go

Writing Contest Details/Background:  

Going to prom is a high school milestone, and prom traditions have been around for decades...

• Dresses. 

• Dinner. 

• DJ's. 

• Dancing. 

For most teenagers, it's about celebrating life with friends and/or a significant other.  However, we've all heard the "negative" aspects often associated with prom too... 

• Drinking. 

• Drugs.  

• Damaged self-esteem.

• Date rape.

So here's the crux of our question:  Is or was prom, as a teen tradition, a positive or negative milestone for you? 

We're interested in real, honest feedback with these essays.  Our hope is that your experiences, insights, advice, stories or wisdom creates a dialogue for your peers, parents and community leaders to engage in about this topic.  Thanks in advance to your candid essays.

NOTE:  If you are an underclassman and cannot attend your prom or your prom is coming up in May, you may either write your essay from a futuristic point-of-view OR share a story about something that happened to a friend or family member at their prom (positive or negative).

Ideas for your Essay: 

Finally, when you think about your response to this writing contest, consider some of these issues/topics below and ask yourself some of these questions to get ideas for your essay:

• Friend or Boy/Girlfriend:  Is it better to go to prom with your friends or with a boyfriend/girlfriend?  Why?

• Alcohol:  Do you think most students at your school attending prom use or don't use alcohol at prom? If they do use it...why?  Has this topic caused problems between you and your friends?  Do you know anyone who has driven drunk after prom?  Did you ride in the car with him/her?

• Sex:  Is there pressure to have sex on prom night?  Is this a topic you and your significant other talk about before prom?

• Money:  Is the cost of prom worth it?  Do you stress about paying for prom or do your parents help out?  Or is the cost of going to prom an insignificant factor in the overall tradition

• Traditions:  If you've been to prom, tell us how your day started and ended.  Walk us through the day-in-the-life of a teen getting ready and attending their first prom.

• Other:  Tackle other topics/issues/stories of your own choosing.

Did You Know:  Here are links to statistics about underage teen drinking. Feel free to incorporate information you learned from these sites into your 500 word contest essay, use them for inspiration, or find others to back up your argument on whatever angle you're taking in your essay:

1. Keeping Teens Safe and Sober on Prom Night

2. 12 Tips for Driving on Prom Night Every Parent and Teen Should Read

3. Risky Business on Prom Night

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What form of media impacts your life the most, and why?"

To read essays and view a summary of this contest:

Winner:  Media: I Like It Black, White, and Read All Over by sissysulli

Writing Contest Details/Background:  The "media" is an undeniably powerful entity in our daily lives, and even more invasive for teens and college students, a generation growing up with more forms of media choices than any other generation before them.

But before we can ask you to share your thoughts on the "media," let's first define it...

MEDIA:  A means of communication

That could mean a lot of things:  local TV news, newspapers, radio, cable, Facebook, Twitter, letter writing, film, mobile phones, texting, books, cave painting, etc. etc. etc.

When you think about your response to the question, ask yourself some of these questions:

• How do you feel teens, students and your generation in general are viewed in the media?

• What would you like to change about the perception of teens in the media, among parents and among other young people?

• Is the media relevant to you; are your ideas and viewpoints taken into consideration?

• How many different forms of media do you typically consume or interact with on a daily basis?

• Could you cut all media out of your life?  If you had to make a choice on eliminating one form of media, what would it be?

For those that are familiar with our writing competitions, you know that thousands of students view this contest page.  Whether you win the essay contest, use it for practice, or just want to add your voice to the Stage of Life project, our hope is that maybe your essay and thoughts will help change the world, and maybe even inspire someone to think differently.

Did You Know:  Here are links to statistics about the media. Feel free to incorporate information you learned from these other sites into your 500 word contest essay, use them for inspiration, or find others to back up your argument:

• Frank Baker's Media Literacy Clearing House

• commoncause.org

• About-Face

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What is the value of marriage?"

View summary for this writing contest:

Winners (2 this month): 

Writing Contest Details/Background:  It's February.  The month of love.  Valentine's Day sits right in the middle of this month and helps (or in some cases forces) all of us to pay homage to the idea of romance...love.

As always, our mission on StageofLife.com is to bring real world issues to the forefront through this writing contest.  So we're getting a little controversial this month and asking you to share your point of view on marriage.  The interesting thing is that most of you high school or college students entering this contest are probably not married. 

But that's okay...we have a feeling you still have an opinion on the topic...

• What does marriage mean to you?
• Is there value in marriage?
• Do you want to get married?  Why or why not?
• What are reasons to support marriage?
• Is marriage overrated?
• What marriages do you see around you that you admire?  Why?
• Which marriages do you see that need to be fixed?
• Is living together before marriage a good idea or bad idea?

For those that are familiar with our writing competitions, you know that thousands of students view the pages and scores enter.  Whether you win the essay contest, use it for practice, or just want to add your voice to the Stage of Life project, our hope is that maybe your essay and thoughts will help change the world, and maybe even inspire someone to think differently.

Did You Know:  Here are some statistics about marriage to get you thinking about this topic.  Feel free to incorporate these points into your 500 word contest essay, use them for inspiration or find others to back up your argument:

• In general, most states require that both parties be at least 18 years old to be married without their parents' permission; 16 years with the consent of their parents; and 14 years with a court order.
• The average age to get married in the United States is 25 for women and 27 for men (2009).
• Generally speaking, people in big cities tend to marry later and wait longer to have children, normally well into their 30s. People growing up in rural communities will probably get married for the first time in their early 20s.
• In developed countries, the average age at marriage has also been pushed back because many couples now choose to live together for years before even considering marriage.
• In countries such as India and Pakistan, where it is tradition that parents arrange weddings, the average age at marriage is 17, with many brides getting married as soon as they turn 15. This is the case also in many African countries, where economic factors force parents to marry off their daughters at an early age. Nigeria has some of the lowest averages in Africa, with most men getting married around 23 and most women at 17. The average age at marriage peaks higher in Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, where the number is 30.2 for women and 32.5 for men. Sweden, Finland, and Norway are closely behind.  In continental Europe, the average age at marriage is lower in the Eastern countries, where the numbers are barely 23 years of age for women in Poland and 26 for men in Romania.
• Average age of first marriage for men was 22.5 yrs old in 1956 and 24.3 in 1940. Women got married at 20.1 yrs old in 1956 and 21.5 yrs old in 1940.
• As for divorce...you'll find a lot of statistics here to consider for your essay:  http://www.divorcerate.org/

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What organization, company, non-profit or 'cause' will help make the world a better place in 2011?"

View summary for this writing contest:

Winner:  My Cause: To Write Love On Her Arms promotes more than ink poisoning by writexmusic

Writing Contest Details/Background:  Our mission on StageofLife.com is to help change the world, one story at a time.  What a better way to do that this month than to ask teens and college students about worthwhile causes we should all know about.  This is your opportunity to shed light and share with us your favorite non-profit, company, organization or 'cause' that could help make the world a better place. 

Here are some possible components to incorporate into your 500 word contest essay:

• Provide a description or example of how your selected organization or cause will help make the world a better place.
• What makes you passionate about this particular organization? 
• The benefits or mission of your selected organization can fall into any political, religious, or social category.  Or it could be a completely independent entity.
• Include a story if you are personally involved with your selected organization.
• At the end of your essay, make sure to include the web address of the organization or cause so Stage of Life readers can find out more if you inspire them.
• The organization or cause you write about can be an international institution or something on a much smaller, more local scale.  If it's local, please make sure to reference the city/state in which the organization is based or services.
• Keep the essay within 500 words!

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What is your relationship with money?  How do you spend (or save)...and why?"

View summary for this writing contest:

Winner: Money: Affinity Gone Awry by ishmealarmageddon

Background:  Money....Cash.  Coin.  Greenbacks.  Pesos.  Gravy.  Deniro.  KaChing.  Moola.  So we're curious...how do teens and college students feel about money?  Here are some questions to get you thinking about your essay to address this writing contest topic:

• Are you going to school AND working a job? 
• Are you saving for something important?  
• Did your parents talk to you about money growing up? 
• Is money a positive or negative topic in your home? 
• Do you rely on an allowance? 
• Have you started investing at an early age? 
• What do you or your friends like to buy with your money? 
• Have you seen examples in your life in which money has done harm? 
• On the contrary, have you seen the positive impacts of money? 

Whether you know a homeless teen or have a friend living in the penthouse, think about your relationship with the almighty dollar and tell us about it in a letter, diary, blog, essay or memoir format.

Money and the Holidays:  Being that it's the month of December, feel free to talk specifically about how money is or isn't tied into the holidays in your opinion.  Are you stressed about your budget and the pressure to buy gifts?  Or...are you excited to get out shopping and shower your friends and family with presents during this month of giving?  And if so, how do you know what to buy in order to put your money to its best use?  Maybe you simply have a few shopping tips you'd like to share on how to stretch your dollars on a tight student budget.  Others could benefit from your financial experience.

The topic and question for this month is intentionally broad.  The Stage of Life editors, staff, and featured writer/blogger community is excited to read your original point of view to this month's writing contest for teens and college students. 

Student Financial Resource:  As part of this month's student writing contest, we encourage you to visit Mint.com before or after you enter the contest.  It's a completely free way to manage your money, set financial goals, track your spending and set a budget. 

Hey...that may sound like boring stuff your parents do, but as an advocate for teen and college student wellness, Stage of Life highly recommends Mint.com (even more so for young adults).  It's never too early to take control of your financial well being and fully understand how you control your money...not the other way around.  Set up a free account and give it a try.

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What are you most thankful for?"

View summary for this writing contest:
 

Winner:  I am Thankful for Quiet by jasoncaleb

Background: 

It's November...a month to give thanks. 

We all get busy during the day-to-day routine of our lives, but it's important to stop once in while and reflect on what matters most, and to give thanks for that.  Keeping that in mind, we want to hear about who or what, in your life right now, should receive public acknowledgment of your thanks.  You can be as specific or abstract in your giving of thanks as you wish, but whoever or whatever receives your gratitude, let them know, e.g. share the link of your essay with those you are thanking.

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Student Writing Contest Question:  "What stresses you out, and how do you cope with that stress?"

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Background:  Students are well into the fall semester and probably starting to feel some of the pressure of the daily grind.  From classes to homework to jobs to extra curricular activities to social outings, teens and college students are maintaining hectic schedules.  Add on top of that any current relationship hardships, social issues, e.g. bullying, illnesses or other personal problems and it's not surprising that many young people feel...stressed. 

We want to hear about what stresses you out, and why, in order to shed some light on the issue of teen and college stress.  As KEY part of your contest entry, we also want to know what are you doing to cope with that stress or help relieve some of the pressure.   You are not alone in the pressures you are facing and your story and coping strategies may just inspire another young person reading your essay.

Stress Video:  As with each of our writing contests, we've got an additional resource for you to explore before (or after) you submit your contest essay.  Please watch this video about teen stress from our friends at LearntoBeHealthy.org.  It'll walk you through a stress activity and get you thinking about what stress does to the body, how it can effect you, and coping options.  If you're interested in more activities like this, visit LearntobeHealthy.org for more of their interactive educational content.

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Student Writing Contest Question:  Who is your hero?

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Winner:  My Hero is Friedl Dicker-Brandeis

Background:  In uncertain times such as these (our nation at war in Afghanistan, a poor economy, horrible housing statistics, etc.), we feel it's a time to talk about heroes, both big and small. 

Your hero may be someone close to you...a family member that inspires you daily.  Or maybe it's someone more famous, in the public spotlight, that's working to champion a cause you feel passionate about too. 

Whichever the situation, there are people around you that inspire you for one reason or another.  Tell us about one of your heroes, in 500 or words or less.  Who is this person and why do you consider them a hero?  Your story may just inspire someone else.

More Stories About Heros:  As part of your contest entry here on Stage of Life and after it's over, we encourage you to continue thinking about your heros and sharing stories about them at MyHero.com.  MyHero.com is a robust resource with a mission to use media and technology to celebrate the best of humanity and to empower young people to realize their own potential to effect positive change in the world.

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Student Writing Contest Question: "What suggestion(s) do you have to make a positive change at your school or with the educational system as a whole?"

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Winner:  An Educational Renaissance

Background:  This monthly contest question is openly broad.   It's Back to School time, and we want to know how students are preceiving their educations, educational environments at their high schools, colleges and universities and the overall trends in education.  For instance...

• Have you noticed a lack of something at your school? 
• Does there seem to be a heavy focus on one area and a complete lack of focus in another?  
• Have you noticed a trend that's been bothering you in regards to the overall study body at your school or on campus? 
• Have you wanted to institute a new policy, program or endeaveur at your school or campus because of a larger need that's going unfillfilled? 
• Have you and your friends talked about something at school that should be different or changed?

Or...on a more positive note...

• Maybe you're currently a part of something at your school or college that is incredibly inspiring? 
• Maybe there are programs at your school or campus that have produced a positive change with the student body? 
• Maybe you have a teacher that's doing something out of the ordinary and it's making a difference with the local community?

Whether you have an idea on how to improve the educational environment or you've seen one in action...we want to hear your thoughts about how we can improve the educational system.  This can be a small suggestion or a large idea, but we know that high school and college students have at least one or two ideas on things in education that need to be improved.

Plus, your comments, ideas and observations may just inspire another student, teacher, professor, or educator to put positive change in effect.

Tip:  As part of your essay contest entry, consider looking over the Back to School Fast Facts from the IES - National Center for Education Statistics, or check out the GetSchooled.com website.  It is not mandatory that you quote from these sources in your essay, but it may give you an idea for a unique angle, or at the very least, the size and scope in which the institution of education plays in our society.

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Student Writing Contest Question: "Do we have an obligation to take better care of ourselves by making changes in the way we eat and/or buy and consume food?"

Winner:  Necessity or Excuse?

Finalists:

• Whole Wheat World
• How to Save Our Future
• America's Choice
• An Expert's Advice

Essay Title:  "Food - [insert you title]"
As part of your contest essay, we'd like to hear if you envision a solution to any potential problems with our food industry.  Also...consider looking over these resources below.  It is not mandatory that you quote from these sources in your essay, but it may give you an idea for a unique angle, interesting food statistic or perspective from which to approach this month's writing contest theme.

• Food, Inc.
• Laura Jayne's Blog
• Take Part's Food Blog
• Eat Well
• Eat Wild
• Food Routes

Background:  TV shows like NBC's Biggest Loser are big hits and books like Michael Pollan's Food Rules are flying off the shelves.  Even film documentaries like Food, Inc. and Super Size Me have pushed into the mainstream consciousness.  It goes without saying a tipping point is occuring in our society's awareness in regards to people's relationship with food.  Obesity in America is reaching an epidemic...but are people ready or really willing to change?  Is our addiction to unhealthy food too hard to break?

Consider these food statistics as you write your essay:

• 32% of US children are overweight - increase that to 48% for some areas like Washington DC and Kentucky.  [Source: Journal of the American Medical Association].
• Four of the top ten killers in America are chronic diseases linked to the "western diet", a diet high in processed foods and meat, lots of fat and sugar, lots of refined grains, and very low consumption of fruits, veggies and whole grains [Source:  Pollan's Food Rules].
• Portion Sizes have exploded and consumption of good foods has shifted.  For instance, in the 1950's, students drank 3 cups of milk to every cup of soda.  That ratio is reversed today.  And an average of 3,800 caleries per day are available to every American, but adults only need 2,350 to survive. [Source: statistics in TIME Magazine's cover story - June 23, 2008].
• In communities hardest hit by obesity, families have little access to affordable, healthy food, e.g. no grocery stores, farmer's markets or other vendors selling fresh produce and we are now in danger of raising the first generation of American children who will live sicker and die younger than their parents' generation [Source:  Robert Wood Johnson Foundation].

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Contest Question: "What is the most difficult thing (for you) about college?"

Winner:  We Don't All Reach Our Goals

High School Finalists:

• Money Is Scarce
• I Am Competing Against Friends
• What are you scared most about college?

College Finalists:

• So Many Ideas, So Little Time
• You Have to Make Decisions

Background:  Whether you are in high school or currently in college, we want to know what's making the college process or college itself difficult and why.  Financial aid?  Application process?  Juggling classes and work? So what is making college difficult?

We ask this because:

• Most students who start college don't finish.
• 3 out of 4 students going to college don't fit the traditional model.
• Only 56% of students attending a four-year college graduate in six years or less.

As part of your entry, please watch the most recent "Degrees of Difficulty" video clip hosted by USA Today.  This is a video series developed in conjunction with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of their "Take American to College" initiative.

Please reference thoughts, reactions, or something you learned from the Degrees of Difficulty series in your essay entry.

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Contest Question: "What is one behavior you can either change or incorporate into your daily life that will reduce our negative impact on the environment?

Winner:  Preserving Nature's Splendor

High School Finalists:

• Carpool and Walk to Alleviate Environmental Stress
• Spreading the Word
• Preserving Nature's Splendor
• Promoting Waste Management

College Finalists:

• Litter
• Efficient use of Electricity

Background:  The negative environmental impact and tragedy of lives lost from the recent BP off-shore oil rig disaster is obvious.  What we want from our high school and college students entering this month's writing contest is not your outrage about how this could have happened, but rather, share one solution (big or small) that can help combat man's ever-reaching environmental impact.