The 2012 Essay Topics Released!
We’ve released the 2012 essay topics and we can’t wait to see what our Foreign Service youth will submit! This year the questions are:
High School Category:
Globalization is a process that opens diverse societies to economic, political and social influences from beyond their borders. How would you, as a foreign service youth, build on this process to improve communication between people from different cultures with young people from the United States?
Middle School Category:
Thanks to the world wide availability of email, Facebook, Skype, TouTube and online games, Third Culture Kids can stay in touch with friends, classmates and family easily. Access to such varied forms of communication technology allows kids the freedom to reach out and maintain a wide range of relationships around the world. How can (or do) you as a foreign service youth make use of these communication tools to create deeper awareness across the globe. In describing your efforts to facilitate greater cultural appreciation and understanding among young people, feel free to let your imagination roam and consider a range of alternatives including designing your own video game or using different types of software — in your own approach.
Entries must be submitted by April 30th, 2012. Complete an entry form and find out more information at FSYF.org
Former Foreign Service Officers Edward and Margaret McGrath founded McGrath Real Estate Services in 1976. The McGraths understood the unique challenges associated with owning and managing real estate while balancing work that requires international travel starting their company to assist others with the process. Now three decades later, their sons Timothy and James McGrath, are responsible for over 600 properties and a combined value of over $3 million. The brothers’ unique experience as Foreign Service children inspired them to work with the Foreign Service Youth Foundation to sponsor youth in the annual Foreign Service Youth Essay Contest.
The 2010 topic question was: “Identify an issue that you would like to learn more about as a member of a U.S. Foreign Service family currently living in NAME OF COUNTRY. Explain why this issue is important to you, how you will learn more about it, and what you will do with the information. Consider how your Foreign Service lifestyle has stimulated your interest in this issue and your ability to understand it.”
There were many wonderful articles submitted but only four young adults could be chosen. Special guest, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, spoke at the 2010 event and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
If your child is interested in participating please contact the Foreign Service Youth Foundation at fsyf@fsyf.org.
