Story Update: A winner in the Gulen Youth Platform Essay Context, sophomore Donara Aghajanian traveled to Washington, D.C. April 1–5. “We visited Washington D.C. for five days and it was fantastic,” Aghajanian said. “Places we went included the White House, Georgetown University, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial. It was really fun and I had a great time.” Aghajanian was accompanied by her mother on the trip. They were joined by 30 other students from various countries who had won the essay competition as well. “I think everyone should go to Washington D.C.,” Aghajanian said. “Not only is it fun it is also a great education experience.”

Sophomore Donara Aghajanian did the impossible and the unimaginable last week. She won a writing competition that entitles her a to free trip to Washington, D.C. and $100.

When she was notified that she had won the Gulen Youth Platform Essay Contest, Aghajanian was utterly shocked. “I never expected it! It was just another assignment, in my mind,” she said. “And I definitely have to give credit to Mr. and Mrs. Davis for even promoting the contest to our class.”

The Gulen Youth Platform Essay Contest is a very prestigious competition in which hundreds of participants submit their essays from all over the world. This year a grand total of 550 essays were submitted from 43 countries. Although Aghajanian did not win the grand prize, she still did place in the Top 30.

Her winning essay was about new ways to improve the United States of America’s education system. “My essay was on my opinions and thoughts on how the government and non-profit agencies can aid disadvantaged kids in public schools. Basically an innovative way to improve this country’s education system,” Aghajanian said.

“More than anything, though, I am glad my essay won because now it has a chance to effect change, and that’s what anyone can hope for in their writing,” Aghajanian said. Aghajanian will travel to Washington, D.C. in the beginning of April to explore all the treasures of our nation’s capitol. Although she will only be there for four days, she is still very excited.