Writing Contest Topic:  What is your definition of love?

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?

That's where you come in. 

How do you define love?

Answer our poll and that question in a 500 word essay below.  However, before submitting your essay, think about the following:

• How do you really feel about love?
• How do you know when you're in love?
• What is love?
• Does the media positively or negatively effect your view on teen relationships or love?
• What example have your parents or grandparents set in defining love through their relationship?
• How do feelings like passion, puppy love, or lust fit into the definition?
• Is sex a part of love?
• What does love make you do? 
• How does it change you? 
• Is it for the better?

You don't have to answer all of these questions.  Just think about them.  Pick your own, unique point-of-view to define love (feel free to cite cultural or literary examples in your essay) and submit your essay below.  All essays will immediately be published on StageofLife.com once submitted, and the best essay responses will be compiled on a summary page and shared on the site in March 2012.  Revisit this page to get the link to that summary.

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

PART I:  Answer the Poll..

PART II:  Upload your essay...

Essay Title:  When submitting your essay, title it as follows:  My definition of love:  [insert your creative headline]  An example would look like this:   My definition of love:  It'll break your heart every time.

Good luck!

TIPS:  Don't forget to title your essay using the instructions above, then cut and paste your essay (500 words or less) into the "Story Details" field of the writing contest submission form (we recommend writing it in a Word program first and then cutting and pasting it into our online form).  Please adjust the spacing and margins as necessary so your essay looks good. 

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

CONTEST RULES:  READ BELOW FOR EXTENDED RULES/DETAILS...

This is a FREE writing contest for teens and college students.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee.

Contest Deadline:  

Feb. 29, 2012 at Midnight PST [NOTE: while mainly focused on the US, StageofLife.com is still an international writing project so the site clock is set to GMT but the contest ends on US Pacific Time].

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

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact others and help with our mission of making the world a better place, one story at a time.  After you've submitted your writing contest essay, please paste your essay link on Facebook page or Twitter.  Help spread the word.  Feel free to share this contest with your Language Arts/English teacher.  Your story and your experience may inspire others.

About:

Read more about StageofLife.com and our mission

Good luck!  Scroll back up and click on the "Submit Essay" button to upload your essay.

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

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.

Writing Contest Prize Sponsors

Upload your essay now...

Essay Title:  When submitting your essay, title it as follows:  Person to Watch in 2012:  [insert your person's name and/or creative headline]  Example - Person to Watch in 2012:  Ron Paul and his Libertarian crew

Good luck!

TIPS:  Don't forget to title your essay using the instructions above, then cut and paste your essay (500 words or less) into the "Story Details" field of the StageofLife.com writing contest submission form (we recommend writing it in a Word program first and then cutting and pasting it into our online form).  Please adjust the spacing and margins as necessary so your essay looks good. 

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

CONTEST RULES:  READ BELOW FOR EXTENDED RULES/DETAILS...

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee.

Contest Deadline:  

Jan. 31, 2012 at Midnight PST [NOTE:  while mainly focused on the US, StageofLife.com is still an international writing project so the site clock is set to GMT but the contest ends on US Pacific Time].

Prize Package and Winner:  One winner will be selected, along with approximately 10 finalists.  The winner and semi-finalists will be announced here after Feb. 15th, 2012.  Winners and semi-finalists will be contacted by a StageofLife.com staffer via the email used to register for the website.

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact others and help with our mission of making the world a better place, one story at a time.  After you've submitted your writing contest essay, please paste your essay link on Facebook page or Twitter.  Help spread the word.  Your story and your experience may inspire other people to look into your Person to Watch nominee or issue.

About:

Read more about StageofLife.com and our mission

Good luck!  Scroll back up and click on the green "Enter Contest" button to upload your essay.

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

• "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” -Winston Churchill
• “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mohatma Ghandi

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

Part I:  Answer the survey now...

Part II:  Upload your essay now...

Essay Title:  When submitting your essay, title it as follows:  Awareness Month Nomination:  [insert your creative title here]  Example -  Awareness Month Nomination:  Breast Cancer Can Be Stopped

CONTEST RULES:  READ BELOW FOR EXTENDED RULES/DETAILS...

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee.

Contest Deadline:  

Dec. 31, 2011 at Midnight PST [While mainly focused on the US, StageofLife.com is still an international writing project so the site clock is set to GMT but the contest ends on US Pacific Time].

Winner: 

The winner and semi-finalists will be announced here after Jan. 15th, 2012.  Winners and semi-finalists will be contacted by a StageofLife.com staffer via the email used to register for the website.

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact others and help with our mission of making the world a better place, one story at a time.  After you've submitted your story, please paste your essay link on Facebook page or Twitter.  Help spread the word.  Your story and your experience may inspire other people to look into your awareness issue.

About:

Read more about StageofLife.com and our mission

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

“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.

Good luck!

PART I:  Answer the survey

PART II:  Upload your essay

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

"Trust and Safety:  __________"

NOTE:  Please use the phrase "Trust and Safety: _____" in the essay title when submitting your essay and then simply finish that phrase creatively based on your essay.  Example:  Trust and Safety:  My School's Badge Policy is Misguided."

READ CURRENT SUBMISSIONS

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.  StageofLife.com is a global writing initiative with a mission to become the world's largest collection of multi-generational stories to help make the world a better place, one story at a time.

Contest Deadline:  

Oct. 31, 2011 at Midnight PST [While mainly focused on the US, StageofLife.com is still an international project so the site clock is set to GMT but the contest ends on US Pacific Time].

Prizes: 

Yes, we have prizes if you win the writing contest...but not that you're writing something important just to win, right?  Each month, one winner selected from the combined high school and college entries will get a prize package containing...

• $25 gift code from site sponsor Kodak Gallery
• Free shirt from T-Shirts.com (up to a $25 value)
• Mention of your essay in StageofLife.com's national press release
• Featured Blogger status on StageofLife.com
• Stage of Life SWAG (pen, letter from CEO)

Winner:  The winner and semi-finalists will be announced here after Nov. 15th, 2011.  Winners and semi-finalists will be contacted by a StageofLife.com staffer via the email used to register for the site.

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact other teens and college students coming to the site.  After you've submitted your story, please the link on Facebook page or print a copy to give to your teacher.  Your story and your experience may inspire other students or teachers to look at their educational experience in a positive light.

Good luck!

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?

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.  StageofLife.com is a global writing initiative with a mission to become the world's largest collection of multi-generational stories to help make the world a better place, one story at a time.

Contest Deadline:  

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED AND IS BEING JUDGED NOW

Winner:  Teacher Appreciation: The Truth of the Matter by aritter (“Write what you feel, write what your story is”)

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact other teens and college students coming to the site.  After you've submitted your story, please the link on Facebook page or print a copy to give to your teacher.  Your story and your experience may inspire other students or teachers to look at their educational experience in a positive light.

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).

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

"Letter to Me:  __________"

NOTE:  Please use the phrase "Letter to Me: _____" in the essay title when submitting your essay and then simply finish that phrase creatively.   Ex) Letter to Me:  The Year of Possibilities

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.

Contest Deadline:  

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.

Winner:  Letter to Me: Fight or Flight by stareen (This teen has reached the year all of her teachers predicted she would fail)

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact other teens coming to the site.  Your story and your experience with bullying may even inspire or help someone.

Writing Contest - Two Parts

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

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

Essay Title: 

When submitting your essay, title it as follows: 

"I was bullied because ______" or "I bullied someone about _____"

NOTE:  Please use the phrase "I was bullied because _____" in the title and then simply finish that sentence in a creative way to label your essay.  You may also use the words "teased", "picked on" etc. if bullied isn't the right fit.

• Ex) I was bullied because of my dyslexia.
  

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

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

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact other teens coming to the site.  Your story and your experience with bullying may even inspire or help someone.

What Teens Learned about Their Parents

View summary for this writing contest:

Essay Title: 

When submitting your essay, title it as follows: 

"I learned from my mother/father ______"

NOTE:  Please use the phrase "I learned from my mother/father" in the title and then simply finish that sentence in a creative way to label your essay. 

• Ex) I learned from my father art of patience.
• I learned from my mother that she dropped out of college to have me.  

Free Contest:

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.

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

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact other teens coming to the site to read essay.  Your story and your experience with your parent interview may even inspire or help someone.

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)

Essay Title: 

When submitting your essay, title it as follows: 

"I overcame ______"

[Please use the phrase I overcame in the title and then simply finish that sentence in a creative way to label your essay.  Ex) I overcame the fear of leaving home for college. 

Free Contest:

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.

Contest Deadline:  

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED

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

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact teens during prom season, and maybe even inspire someone.

Good luck!

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

View summary for this writing contest:

Winner: Prom: Catching a Fairytale 

• Winner:  Prom: Catching a Fairytale
• Runner-Up:  Prom: To Go or Not to Go

Essay Title: 

When submitting your essay, title it as follows: 

"Prom: ______" [insert your unique title in the blank without the quotation marks].  Ex) Prom:  I Wouldn't Miss It

Exposure:  In your essay, mention the state in which you live, ex. Minnesota or Pennsylvania.  StageofLife.com student essay writers have been featured in local, regional and national media channels.  See an example in which TIME.com featured one of our teen writers.

Free Contest:

This is a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does NOT require a submission fee.

Details: 

Please read the details for this contest further below (and the rules further above).

Contest Deadline:  

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED

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

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.

Last Words: 

Our hope is that your essay and thoughts will positively impact teens during prom season, and maybe even inspire someone.

Good luck!

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

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

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.

Good luck!

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

View summary for this writing contest:

Winners (2 this month): 

• Marriage:  Let me keep my childhood dream by purpleoveralls
• Marriage: You're Stuck With Me by kaleighsomers

Free Contest:  This was a FREE writing contest.  StageofLife.com does not require a submission fee.

Details:  Please read the background details for this contest further below and the rules further above

Contest Deadline:   This contacts has ended.

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/

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.

Good luck!

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!

This teen and college student writing contest should be in the form of a personal, essay, letter, diary, blog, or memoir format.  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.

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.

Good luck!

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.

Comments:  In the espirt of this essay competition, we'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these contest essays.  Please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the blog threads.

Good luck!

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

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.

To read all of the essays being submitted for this contest - you'll find them on the "Read a Story" page in the High School and College stages.

Comments:

  In the espirt of this writing contest, we'd like to encourage all participants and readers to

make comments on these contest essays.  Please just

remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the blog threads.

Good luck!

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

View the Summary Page for this Writing Contest: 

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.

NOTE:  If you are an educator, you get a 15% off discount through Stage of Life (use promo code STAGE) in the LearntobeHealthy.org store, including their annual curriculum memberships.

Comments:  In the espirt of this writing contest, we'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these contest essays.  Please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the blog threads.

Good luck!

Student Writing Contest Question:  Who is your hero?

View the Summary Page for this Writing Contest: 

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.

Comments:  In the espirit of this writing contest, we'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these contest essays.  Please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the blog threads.

Students share their thoughts on how to improve education...

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?"

View the Summary Page for this Writing Contest: 

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.

Comments:  In the espirit of this writing contest, we'd like to encourage all participants and readers to make comments on these contest essays, please just remember to keep all comments/posts/discussions civil and in good taste in each of the blog threads.

Students share thoughts on their relationship with food...

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].

Contest Deadline:  This contest ended July 31, 2010.  Scroll up to see current contest.

Students Share Thoughts on College...

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

Essay Title:  College is Difficult Because:  [insert you title]
As part of your contest essay, we'd like to hear if you envision a solution (personal, governmental, economic, etc.) to making what's currently difficult about college a little bit easier.

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.

Contest Deadline:  This contest ended June 30, 2010.  Scroll up to see current contest.

Students Share Thoughts on Gulf Oil Spill...

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

Essay Title:  "Oil Spill:  [insert title]"

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.

Contest Deadline:  This contest ended May 31, 2010.  Scroll up to see current contest.