Discovering Me…Without You Essay Contest

Discovering Me…Without You Essay Contest was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their fathers. In the Washington Metropolitan region at least 60 percent of homes are single parent households, many of them headed by women. The contest is intended to provide a platform for some of those children, particularly fatherless girls.

Most importantly, the teen girls are asked to reveal that story of self-discovery: how she has come to know her worth and value; how she has come to recognize her imperfections but also her strengths; and how she believes she can succeed in the world despite the challenge of fatherlessness.

If you know a teen girl that is interested in submitting their essay for the 4th Annual Essay Contest presented by Esther Productions, Inc in partnership with The Anacostia Coordinating Council and The Black Student Fund, please register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/discoverin-me-scholarship-award-essay-contest

If your essay is selected by the judges, you could receive a cash award

$1500 (for those between the age of 15 and 18)

OR

$500 (for those between the age of 13 and 14)

Anyone not selected for the top prizes will receive a $15 cash gift certificate

Info: estherproductionsinc.com/contest

"When I was a little younger; I was sad because I would see other girls with their dads and realize I didn't have that. On the TV when I see dads enjoying fun times with kids, I think, 'Wow I wish I had that with my dad." Y Gorham (a 2019 Discovering Me...contest winner.)https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/contest

SOMETIMES PERSONAL OR FAMILY CHALLENGES CAN GIVE US STRENGTH

Each year Esther Productions Inc. presents cash prizes for the best essay

written by teen girls who are facing the challenge of father absence.

Write an essay of not less than 750 and not more than 1500 words telling us

how you have faced that struggle while discovering yourself and your

resilience.

If your essay is selected by the judges, you could receive a cash award

$1500 (for those between the age of 15 and 18)

OR

$500 (for those between the age of 13 and 14)

Anyone not selected for the top prizes will receive a $15 cash gift certificate

REVISED ELIGIBILITY

YOU MAY SUBMIT AN ESSAY IF:

● you live in the District of Columbia;

● you are between the age of 13 and 18; AND

● you are growing up in a home without the daily presence or active

engagement of your biological father because your parents are divorced; or

are separated and no longer live together; or they have never lived together;

or your father is incarcerated.

Tell us how you have faced the challenge of father absence to achieve self-discovery, to

recognize your resilience and to attain self-empowerment.

SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCT. 31, 2022

(MIDNIGHT)

ESSAY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

● Only one essay may be submitted per individual.

● The essay submission must include a cover page with the author’s name, age,

name of school, home address and email contact.

● The name of the author may not appear on any page of the essay OTHER THAN

THE COVER PAGE.

● The length of the essay must be not less than 750 words and not more than 1500

words.

● The essay submission must be written in 12-point font and must be double-

paced.

● The essay must be written in English.

● The essay should be free of typos and grammatical errors.

● The essay should be a word document or PDF.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

ORIGINALITY—Maximum 20 POINTS: The author demonstrates through her

writing that the essay is based on her original story.

POWER AND CONSISTENCY OF VOICE—Maximum 15 Points: The author’s

voice, as a storyteller, commands and sustains the reader’s/judge’s attention.

STRENGTH OF WRITING--Maximum 20 POINTS: The author has a mastery of

the personal essay as a literary genre; presents well-constructed sentences and

paragraphs; demonstrates a strong use of language; presents work that uses grammar

properly and is free of typos.

ARTICULATION OF ISSUES AND THE CHALLENGES RELATED TO

FATHER ABSENCE—Maximum 25 POINTS: The author explains in clear

coherent sentences and language the challenge she faced or is facing growing up in the

home where her father is absent.

EVIDENCE OF GROWTH AND RESILIENCE--Maximum 20 POINTS: The

author presents evidence within the essay that she has faced the challenge of father

absence, she has witnessed person growth and demonstrated resilience.

YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY FOR CONSIDERATION IN ONE OF TWO

WAYS

1. Regular Mail: Hard-copy or printed essays may be sent by regular United States Post

Service mail to Esther Productions Inc. at 1629 K St. NW—Suite 300, Washington, DC

20006

OR

2. Electronically: E-mail submissions may be sent to info@estherproductionsinc.com

Please write Discovering Me in the subject line.

Digital Harmony

Digital Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. September 9, 2024. Afrika Abney When I create my abstract digital art, I think of colors and how they impact my potential viewers. The colors that I have selected for my work include blue, dark green, yellow, black and red. The act of producing digital art transcends mere creation; it encompasses the vital aspect of sharing my work with a broader audience. I believe that art should not only be an individual expression but also a means of connection with others. To facilitate this, I utilize my blog as a platform to showcase my digital art, allowing me to reach and engage with those who appreciate the nuances of abstract expression. Through my blog posts, I aim to provide insights into my artistic process and the thoughts behind each piece. This not only serves to inform my audience about the intricacies of my work but also fosters a dialogue around the themes and emotions that my art seeks to convey. By sharing my digital creations ...

What piece of advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Keep being true to myself which is the key to achieving short term and long term goals. Quote found on the Internet “Individuality in the workplace can refer to an individualist company culture or to ways to encourage employees to express themselves: Individualist company culture This culture values employees' autonomy, rights, and freedoms, and encourages them to be self-starters and think for themselves. It can also involve less rigid structures and less distinction between superiors and subordinates. This type of culture can foster creative thinking and new approaches, but it can also lead to a lack of cohesion and teamwork, or a competitive work environment. Encouraging employees to express themselves Here are some ways to encourage individuality in the workplace: Recognize and celebrate differences: Create opportunities for employees to share their backgrounds, passions, and perspectives through presentations, showcases, or a series of "day in the life" posts. This ...

Vibrant Visions of Faith

Vibrant Visions of Faith. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney With the principle of faith, I am fortunate that I graduated from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993 because I felt alone, depressed, traumatized, isolated and discriminated against every time that I stepped inside the school from 1991 - 1993. The colors gold and shades of yellow are deliberately selected to depict optimism, while black represents faith.

Cultural bridging

Quote found on the Internet “Cultural bridging in the workplace can help create a cognitive connection between people from different cultures, allowing them to understand each other's similarities and differences. This can lead to productive dialogue and learning. Here are some ways to bridge cultural gaps in the workplace: Develop cultural awareness: Take time to learn about your colleagues' and business partners' cultural backgrounds. Recognize differences: Acknowledge cultural and individual differences, as well as your own behaviors. Be respectful: Show respect and speak clearly. Adapt communication styles: Consider how your communication style might differ from others. Build relationships: Involve the whole group and seek feedback. Be transparent: Clarify things and ask for clarification when needed. Use technology wisely: Consider how technology can be used to help.” Quote found on the Internet Passionate and dedicated arts professional with deep roots in Washingto...

Dancing Fire #1 & 2

Dancing Fire #1 Acrylic on Canvas $350.00 24 * 36 1997 Afrika Abney Vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange blend seamlessly with darker tones, creating a vivid and dynamic composition. The central area is illuminated, giving the impression of light bursting through clouds. Dancing Fire #2 Acrylic on Canvas $350.00 24 * 36 1997 Afrika Abney A vibrant explosion of colors featuring blends of red, blue, and pink with hints of green and yellow emits a cosmic or nebula-like atmosphere. The interplay of colors creates a sense of depth and movement, evoking an abstract and dynamic feeling.

Self - introspection

“Self-introspection, or self-reflection, can be an important part of a professional life. It can help people understand their abilities, improve their performance, and develop self-awareness.” Self-introspection, or self-reflection, can indeed be a crucial aspect of a professional life, guiding individuals on a journey of understanding their own capabilities, assessing their performance, and cultivating a heightened sense of self-awareness. Through introspection, individuals can delve deep within themselves to explore their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately enhance their professional skills and expertise. This process of introspection allows individuals to reflect on their actions, decisions, and experiences, gaining valuable insights that can inform their future choices and behaviors in the workplace. By taking the time to introspect, individuals can gain a greater understanding of their passions, values, and goals, aligning their professional p...

Pink Spectrum Bliss

Pink Spectrum Bliss. Digital art created on canvas. August 12, 2024. Afrika Abney “The spectrum of pink hues presents a delightful array of colors that evoke a sense of warmth and tenderness. From the softest blush reminiscent of early morning light to the vibrant fuchsia that commands attention, each shade carries its own unique charm. These variations can be seen in nature, from the delicate petals of cherry blossoms to the bold strokes of a sunset, illustrating how pink can range from subtle and soothing to bold and invigorating. Exploring the different tones of pink reveals a fascinating interplay of emotions and aesthetics. Light pinks often convey feelings of innocence and serenity, making them popular choices for nurseries and romantic settings. In contrast, deeper shades like magenta and raspberry exude confidence and energy, often used in fashion and design to make a striking statement. This versatility allows pink to be both a calming presence and a vibrant ...

Passion

Quote found on the Internet Passion for many things.

Research on quotes

Quote found on the Internet “Quotes can be used in many ways in research, including to support claims, illustrate ideas, and evoke emotion. They can also help researchers choose between aesthetic and ethical options. The exploration of quotations encompasses a wide array of studies that delve into their origins, meanings, and impacts on society. Researchers often analyze how quotes reflect cultural values, historical contexts, and the philosophies of their authors. This investigation can include examining the linguistic structures of quotes, their emotional resonance, and the ways in which they are utilized in various forms of communication, such as literature, speeches, and social media. By understanding the nuances of quotes, scholars can gain insights into the collective consciousness of different eras and communities. In the academic realm, the study of quotes is not merely an exercise in collecting notable phrases; it involves a rigorous analysis of their significance ...

Vibrant Circle Harmony

Vibrant Circle Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. December 15, 2024. Afrika Abney

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

Search This Blog