2012 Essay Contest
Foreign Language: Our Global Lens
Fifty-six students from seventeen schools throughout Massachusetts submitted entries for the 2012 MaFLA Essay Contest. Developing the theme of “Foreign Languages: Our Global Lens,” students’ essays showed thoughtful insight and youthful idealism based on their personal experiences. It is inspiring to read their essays, so full of confidence and optimism.
The Essay of the Year belongs to Mia M. from Cathedral High School. She says:
“Language is an infectious interest that has permeated much of my life. Learning a few words or phrases in several languages has connected me with my relatives as well as strangers….The corrective vision provided by foreign languages can provide us with the lucidity we desire to see and understand the world more clearly.”
Mia’s teacher is Nancy Gadbois. Congratulations Mia and Nancy!
The Middle School Division Winner is Arman K. from Wood Hill Middle School. In his essay he says English was his third language.
“Discovering and exploring foreign languages can lift up the lens-cap that has otherwise been shrouding from us a different culture, from another area of the world. If we were to overcome our apprehensions and learn a new language, it would be akin to lifting the lens-cap. A larger world would await us, which is waiting to be discovered.”
Arman’s teacher is Maria Hernandez. Congratulations Arman and Maria!
The Elementary School Division Winner is Raymond P. from Kensington Avenue School. He says:
“…knowing a language other than your first is like a person with an eye handicap putting on glasses, or using another type of lens… Foreign languages help us see the world clearer, and connect and communicate with the people of the world.”
Raymond’s teacher is Nancy Mangari. Congratulations Raymond and Nancy!
