Monthly essay prompt
We are so excited to launch our new scholarship prompt series this year, starting with an inspiring theme focused on new beginnings for 2025. We invite you to dive in, reflect, and share your creative responses with us.
Based on the amazing and thoughtful answers we’ve received in the past, we’ve made a few updates to make this series even better. We are going to continue topublish a new scholarship prompt every two months, giving you ample time to reflect deeply and craft responses that truly showcase your creativity.
We are looking for a creative component within your responses this year: written word, dance, poem, skit, and more! Whatever form you choose, please make sure to include a written submission describing your personal connection to the prompt.
In recognition of the time and effort you put into your work, we will award $400 to one scholar at the end of each two-month period.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2025
A Message from Carissa: I love this passage from our book of the month, ‘ThisIs How You Find Your Way’ by Zanna Keithley. Her poems constantly resonate with me, but this one especially stands out.I often struggle with taking that first step or finding the courage to leap into the unknown.The fear of failure, worrying about others' opinions, and imagining the worst-case scenario have kept me stuck for far too long. I find that the most magical moments happen when I let go of control, trust my heart, follow my intuition, and go for it.
What are we doing here if we’re not creating the most beautiful lives we can imagine for ourselves? What are we doing here if we’re not pouring our whole hearts into the art of magical, messy, imperfect living? What are we doing if we’re not sharing our gifts? If we’re not exploring our potential? What are we doing here if we’re so worried about making mistakes that we don’t even try?
So please- make mistakes. Make so many mistakes. Explore the endless possibilities this world has to offer.
Don’t settle for a life that dulls the fire inside your heart. Don’t say yes to something that slowly dims the fire burning inside you. Don’t let your passions die away from the sake of just getting by. Don’t let your hope wither. Don’t let your light fade out. Don’t accept a life half-lived.
These dreams you have. These visions you can’t let go of. The unshakeable feeling of something more. This is your calling. Your rightful path. This is what you’re here for.
How to get out of a writing funk
What’s calling to you in 2025? What new adventure or idea do you want to invite into your life or initiate? What’s something you’ve been curious about but haven’t tried yet? What’s been holding you back and how do you want to overcome it?
Show us your response in any creative form—whether it’s a song, dance, artwork, video, written piece or short story—let your imagination run wild!
Deadline to submit is February 28th for a chance to receive a $400 scholarship! The winner will be announced in the first week of March 2025.
Happy writing!
#GiveMooreAloha #MAmonthlyessay
