Iranian Alliances Across Borders
(IAAB) launched its first essay contest for high school students of Iranian
descent in Spring 2006, seeking essays from hyphenated Iranian youth that
addressed the notion of dual identity. In the spring of 2008, IAAB unveiled the
prompts for its second annual Essay Contest, expanding the questions and
requirements to give voice to high school students of all backgrounds and
descent. The contestants were given a choice of three prompts, which they were
asked to respond to in the form of a one-to-four page personal essay.
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When asked where you are
from, what do you say? Is your response always the same? Please explain.
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Do you think it is
important for members of the diaspora to remain connected to their countries
of origin? Have you found a need to explore your heritage?
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Do relations between the
United States and Iran ever affect the way you represent your Iranian side?
Please explain.
The ten essays that appear in
this volume (pdf) were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges from the
diaspora community. The competitiveness of the 2008 contest resulted in an exact
tie for third place, and IAAB has recognized both third place winners in this
collection.
On behalf of the staff at
Iranian Alliances Across Borders, congratulations to all of the young writers
whose work is featured in this collection. We would also like to thank the
writers whose work was not featured this year, but which will hopefully appear
in a future edition. Keep on writing!
-Mina Tehrani, Editor
IAAB's Mission Statement:
The mission of Iranian Alliances
Across Borders (IAAB) is to strengthen the Iranian Diaspora community and
empower its youth. In particular, Iranian Alliances Across Borders strives to:
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Raise awareness of the Iranian culture and
community;
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Promote leadership in the Iranian Diaspora
community, with a specific focus on the younger generation; and
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Connect Iranians across a variety of borders
... Payvand News - 08/28/08 ... --
