We've given you the story… now we want you to make it meaningful and personal by reflecting in essay form on John Pomfret's book Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China. The essay contest is open to all incoming Gustavus first year students.
Submit an essay that grows out of your experience reading and reflecting upon Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China. The essay may be deeply personal and reflective, or analytical and scholarly; the choice is yours. The only thematic requirement is that the essay must directly engage an issue or set of issues that can, in some palpable way, be traced back to the book. Special consideration will be given to essays that, at least in part, describe how this book has furthered your understanding of one or more of Gustavus's five core values: Community, Justice, Excellence, Faith, and Service.
This essay should be focused upon your reading of Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China. We encourage you to speak personally and individually about your own experiences as they relate to the book.
Entries must be received by Friday, August 8, 2008 via e-mail to mruble@gustavus.edu. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within two business days signifying your message was received successfully.
Winners will be notified by Friday, August 29, 2008 and announced to the campus community during September.
Three essays will be selected for honor by a committee of faculty and staff judges. The winning students will each receive:
Contact Megan B. Ruble, Director of Student Activities, at mruble@gustavus.edu or 507-933-7597.
