Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Making a Better World

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
                                                                                                                --Nelson Mandela

Mandela got it right:  More than anything, education IS indeed our most powerful tool for altering individual lives as well as the overall landscape of the planet.

Education brings dreams to life.  It allows us to imagine possibilities for ourselves and those around us  And it gives us the skills and resources and confidence to turn these what-ifs into concrete realities.

It was with these thoughts in mind that NCC's Office of Student Activities launched its "Making a Better World" essay competition several years ago.  The competition asks incoming Nassau students to reflect on how they would like to use their education at Nassau (and beyond) to make the world better. 

"Making a Better World" invites students to respond one of the following questions:

1.        Journalist Tom Brokaw once observed, “It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.”  In 300-700 words, tell us how you would like to make a difference.  How would you like to change the world, society, or even individual lives for the better?  What role will your college education play in your desire to make a positive impact?  

                                                       or

2.        Most of us know at least one person—a family member, a neighbor, a teacher, a coach, a friend, or someone else—who has made a difference in the lives of others.  In 300-700 words, tell us about this person’s contribution.  Explain what he or she has done to make a positive impact on your life, on the lives of people around you, or on your school, community, and/or the world at large. 
 
Most competitions award prizes to winning entries, and "Making a Better World" is no exception.  Students whose writings stand out will receive a range of prizes--bookstore gift cards ($$ for texts!), Nassau T-shirts and sweatshirts (fun stuff to have), and other NCC items. 

But more than that: Participation is a good way to put your smarts to work, to make your voice heard on campus--and to think seriously about some big questions: How do you want to change the fabric of the world?  How can your education help you make a difference?  Who in your world has already made a difference and what did that person do to make life better?  

You can submit your writing either online, as a word attachment to studentactivities@ncc.edu (subject line: Making a Better World), or through snail mail: Richard Conway, Nassau Community College, One Education Drive, College Center, Rm. 150 Garden City, N.Y. 11530.  Either way, make sure you include your name, address, and phone number. 

And make sure we hear from you by the deadline: Monday, August 26!

Talk to us!  Tell us your dreams, plans, and goals--and NCC's role in realizing them.

P.S. For more details about "Making a Better World," visit NCC's New Student Orientation page: www.ncc.edu/studentlife/orientation and click Essay Contest.

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