The Maltese Falcon Website

MARCH 7th, 2007

CLUB SECRETARY ANGELA HIBA PRESENTING MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES TO THE FIRST AND SECOND PLACE WINNERS

FIRST AND SECOND PLACE WINNERS

JESSICA ANN LAUDI & IAN GERALD KING

FIRST PLACE WINNER JESSICA ANN LAUDI

READING HER ESSAY TO THE MEMBERS AND GUESTS

"I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BECAUSE..."

by Jessica Ann Laudi

It is not who you are or what you own that determines merit; it is whether you make a difference. The world is currently a whirlwind of social, political and environmental change as global pressures continue to grow. The world faces the demands of global warming, the emergency of the AIDS pandemic, rising nuclear threats and the need to reduce poverty, all of which are accompanied by cultural barriers and political struggles. Clearly, there is a need for social justice, which can be initiated not only by influential figures but also by common people. In a world where there is so much potential to progress, I want to make a difference simply because I can.

Why would I be inactive when I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others? I would rather spend my time doing something positive for my school or town community, especially since I know that I have the ability and the motivation to do so. I want to live my life knowing that I have made contributions to the world because otherwise I will have lived life only for myself. If everyone lived to serve their own well-being, we would live in a Hobbesian society characterized by competition yet lacking communal progress. I am privileged to have a prosperous lifestyle and I would like to share my good fortune with others.

I want to use my skills and talents for a positive reason – to serve the greater good. It may entail using my enthusiasm to volunteer with a local institute or to organize a petition calling to support fair trade. My former experiences have been learning tools to help me better my ability to help people. My co-ordination of Christmas Toy Drives and awareness campaigns in my school has shown me the value of offering a helping hand; it has exposed me to the capability of human will when invigorated by social justice.

Not only do I want to help people, I also want to show people that change is possible. I view my participation in student and social groups as a means of encouraging community involvement. I believe that the key to engaging in social initiatives is empathy. It is important that we place ourselves in the situation of another person in order to understand what he/she is experiencing. We can make someone’s reality a better one, which can be the most influential event in that person’s life. To me, that is one of the best things someone can do. Our contributions inspire hope in people and show them that the community cares.

The Canadian attitude is one of peace and solidarity. Canada embraces freedom, respect and multiculturalism while emphasizing social services and diplomatic international relations. Canada’s social environment has shaped my attitude and influenced me to support causes I believe in, on a large and small scale. Ultimately, it is not the size of the impact a person makes, it is the passion put into the effort that matters.

"MY LITTLE GIRL"

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go
Gonna tell you how much I love you
though you think you already know
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm
You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born

~~~ o ~~~

You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl

~~~ o ~~~

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone
Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door
As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!"

~~~ o ~~~

You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl

~~~ o ~~~

Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man
I know he'll say that he's in love
But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

~~~ o ~~~

You beautiful baby from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl