The Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ Writing Challenge is an opportunity for students to express in writing what principle or personal ethic is a driving factor in their lives. It is meant to publicly recognize young people who reflect upon and write about their personal beliefs and values through the lens of their Jesuit Catholic education.
ESSAY PROMPTS BY GRADE LEVEL
Ninth: Awareness of Good Will/Kindness/Love
When you reflect on your life so far, think about how you have been impacted by acts of generosity, compassion, care, service and love. At the time, you may not have recognized these acts as God’s good will/ kindness/love in your life. Describe an event or occasion when you’ve experienced good will/kindness/love in your life.
Tenth: Discovery of Self
Based on your first two years at Arrupe Jesuit, how would you define what it means to be a man/woman for others? Who/what inspires you to become a man or woman for others? How have your choices impacted your ability to grow as a young person? Overall, describe how you have personally grown into this definition since coming to Arrupe Jesuit.
Eleventh: Choices
Choose two of the Graduate at Graduation characteristics (Open to Growth, Religious, Intellectually Competent, Loving, Committed to Justice, Work Experienced) to reflect upon, and then explain how you foster those characteristics in the greater community. How do you see yourself using both of these Grad at Grad characteristics to influence your community now, and into the future?
Twelfth: Carrying it Forward
Look back over your time at Arrupe Jesuit. You’ve had opportunities to be a man or woman for others; additionally, you’ve been impacted by men and women for others both within and outside our school community. Now, envision how you will carry forward what you’ve learned from others and about yourself. How will what you’ve learned about being a man or woman for others impact how you live your life after Arrupe Jesuit?
Read past editions of the finalist and winning essay booklets here: