2003 Seventh Grade Winner:
Maya Shehayeb, age 12
California
Our Purpose in Life
Our hopes, our dreams, and our future
all lie in the hands of one principle: achieving our goals. This
is not a rule. It is a dream that is yearning to be made into
reality. We live it, we thrive on it, and we die for it. The very
purpose of our being is to make a difference in society, to challenge
ourselves constantly, and to create happiness amongst everyone.
Achieving our first goal of making a difference
in society requires some work and sacrifice on our part. When
we help the less fortunate and the deprived, whether by providing
food, medication or education, we feel better about ourselves
because we have made others feel better. Many people offer their
numerous kind deeds. The one that matters is time.
Becoming better human beings requires constant challenges. When
we are not afraid to think differently or use our strongest weapon,
our brain, we overcome our obstacles. Many people are discouraged
at the sight of new hurdles. The thing that distinguishes the
successful is perseverance.
Expressing ourselves in an optimistic way brings happiness to
us and others. Everyone desires to be happy. Happiness results
when we have a good supporting family and friends. It is a contagious
thing like having a cold. When people see you being positive and
on the bright side, they enjoy being with you, and consequently
become happy themselves. The thing that separates us is optimism.
Sharing our talents, gifts, and creativity
with others results in a peaceful and optimistic world. Each of
us was born with a gift. If each one of us contributes to this
world with what we have, we realize our potential and make a difference
in life.
