The Essay Round of the Smart Youth Competition has officially wrapped up, and what a round it was! Participants took time to reflect on three powerful books:
The Atonement Child – Francine Rivers
The Power and Purpose of Vision – Myles Munroe
Before and After “I Do” – Dr. Chinyere Oko-Jaja
Their essays revealed not only their understanding of the texts, but also their ability to connect the lessons to real-life situations. It was about more than writing — it was about reflection, conviction, and vision.
This was the topic : Using the three books, discuss the concept of purpose and the role it plays in marriage and success.
After a thorough evaluation by our judges (based on a number of criteria), we’re excited to present the Top 3 Essays of this year’s competition:
🥇 FLAV_79747 – This essay is a deeply thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring essay. It didn’t just summarize the books but connected their themes to the bigger idea of purpose in suffering, vision, and marriage. It’s insights went beyond the surface. For example, distinguishing between ambition and vision (from Myles Munroe) or highlighting how personal purpose precedes marital purpose (from Chinyere Oko-Jaja) showed strong critical thinking. The writing is smooth, with strong transitions between paragraphs. It’s easy to follow and holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. In the words of the judges, “What a lovely and concise essay”. You can read it here.
🥈 FLAV_71651 – The writer began strongly by defining purpose from multiple perspectives—the dictionary, Myles Munroe, and his own understanding. This immediately gave the essay clarity and a solid foundation. It demonstrates strong understanding of the books, deep reflection on the concept of purpose, and a clear connection to marriage and success. It fully addresses the topic and leaves the reader with a clear conviction that life and marriage without purpose cannot succeed. A judge commented “So lovely. I love it”. You can read it here.
🥉FLAV_32421 – The opening line was just chef’s kiss 👌🏾. This essay seamlessly connects all three authors—Myles Munroe, Chinyere Oko-Jaja, and Francine Rivers—showing how each contributes a unique but complementary perspective on purpose. The maturity of expression, smooth flow, and motivational tone make it stand out as a very strong essay. It not only analyzes but also uplifts the reader, showing that purpose is the true anchor of fulfillment and legacy. One of the remarks it got was “A top standard and excellent essay”. You can find it here
Honourable mention – FLAV_4500. This essay was one of the judges’ favourite. The use of analogies that were relatable was just impeccable. This essay is creative, practical, and inspiring. It combines depth with simplicity, using vivid analogies and relatable illustrations that make the concept of purpose clear and accessible. It leaves the reader not only understanding purpose better but also challenged to live it out in everyday life, marriage, and success. Read it here.
We are truly impressed by the depth and creativity shown in this year’s essays. The participants didn’t just summarize the books, they engaged with them—drawing lessons on how purpose shapes life, marriage, and success. Some highlighted discovering purpose before major decisions, while others showed how purpose is refined through trials.
👏 Congratulations to our Top 3 essayists!
As we approach the Finale on Zoom, we can’t wait to see how these brilliant minds and others will shine in the last stage of the competition. The journey continues, and the crown is still up for grabs! 👑
👉 Stay tuned for updates and join us live at the finale!
Wow