Download Chen's Winning Essay!

The winner of our 2009 Girls Gone Great Scholarship Essay Contest is Chen Sheng. She is a junior at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, MD, and enjoys the atmosphere and possibilities at Franklin that have allowed her to grow and discover herself. She enjoys participating in school events, as well as collaborating with her peers on how to improve her school and community. She plays an active role in her school and takes part in numerous extracurricular associations, such as The Student Government, National Honors Society, National Art Honors Society and more.

However, school is not the only thing that’s important to Chen. Her family is also a big part of her life. She calls them her “support system,” and says that her mother and father are always there for her when she needs them – giving her encouragement and inspiring her to strive towards her goals. Her older sister, Xi, (who is like a best friend) is currently attending graduate school and is always there to offer Chen priceless advice. Chen feels that without her supporting and nurturing family, she wouldn’t be where she is now.

Chen enjoys painting and drawing, as it allows her to express her creative side. She has developed a fascination for portraiture and says this art form allows her to explore how people wear their lives on their faces. She enjoys learning and trying new things, especially when they take her beyond her comfort zone.

Dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate, Chen spends much of her time volunteering in the community and providing a helping hand in various community projects. We sure know this is true because when Chen found out about WomanTalk Live Supports Women Who Serve Program, she jumped right in and organized members of the National Art Honors Society and others at Franklin High School to participate in this worthy program to support women serving in the military.

Chen hopes to attend Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania or Berkley in California. She believes that these schools will offer many new opportunities to learn new things, as well as pursue her dreams. After college, she hopes to become a physician, making people healthier and making a difference.

Most importantly, Chen is thrilled to be the 2009 Girl Gone Great and hopes to set an example for girls who will make a difference themselves and realize their own greatness.