HEY, FRODO - HERE'S WHAT NYC KIDS PLAN TO DO WITH THEIR TIME
By
JOSLYN YANG
In a citywide essay contest, 700 New York City students took the time to apply Gandalf's words to their own lives. Their work was judged by none other than Philippa Boyens, who wrote the screenplay for the final "Rings" film, "Return of the King" (see Family Film Guide). First prize went to 13-year-old Vivian Truong, who won a private screening of "LOTR" next week for 40 of her friends with Gandalf himself - Ian McKellen. Here's what she and several kids say they plan to do with their time. STAY CLEAR OF GANGS In order to do the right thing, I intend to stay away from gangs and not follow the crowd. I know that gangs will only waste my precious time. I don't want to spend the rest of my time behind bars or even in a grave. I want to use my time productively by staying in school, blocking all negativity, planning ahead and showing consideration for others.
- Bintu Tiamiyu, 12, Brooklyn CURE AN ILLNESS I want to raise money for Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. CdLS is a somewhat rare syndrome that people are born with. It slows growth and mental developments, the latter being sometimes as severe as mental retardation. My sister Emma has CdLS. She's an incredible person who can feel all the emotions that you and I can. Most people aren't aware of CdLs, so CdLs doesn't have a lot of money for research. - Katie Giberson, 13, Manhattan MAKE FILMS To me, screenwriting and directing would be a dream. I would not do it for financial reasons or for fame . . . it is not about that. My payment will be touching the hearts of thousands. To me, that would be a $30 billion check. - Ben Wellington, 12, Manhattan BECOME AN OBSTETRICIAN I would like to become an obstetrician because I want to be part of bringing a new life into this world. I think it is a phenomenal job, because I can be able to see how I was brought into this world. And I will know that I am a part of someone else's life. - Shawna-Kaye Kidd, 13, Brooklyn WRITE LIKE J.R.R. TOLKIEN What do I want to do with the time that is given to me? I want to write. I want to make people smile, frown, laugh (hopefully with my writing and not at it) and cry. I want to write with the fast-paced adventurousness of Tamora Pierce, the humor of Brian Jacques, the heart of T.A. Barron, and, of course, the multifaceted morals and rich imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien. I want to touch the souls of everyone who peels back the leaves of one of my books. I want to be remembered with wistful grins. -Vivian Truong, 13, Brooklyn |
||||||||||||||
Email
Archives
Print
Reprint
