If you’re trying to find an opportunity to show off your writing skills in contests, connect with different people and cultures from all around the world, then look no further.
Sister Cities is mainly known as a host of writing competitions every year, followed by cash prizes for the winners and such. However, this shouldn’t be the only thing that grabs your attention.
“Joining Sister Cities as a sophomore in high school made a major impact on my life,” says Mr. Mason, a creative writing teacher who attended Sister Cities himself. “I made many friends in the program who were interested in travel and learning about other cultures. I also got to host students from Japan for a couple weeks.”
Not only do you have the chance to show off your writing skills, but you also have the chance to get in touch with yourself and others. Sister Cities has been a program for a long time as some of our teachers who are in their 20’s and 30’s have attended back in their high school career.
“I would encourage students to seek out Sister Cities if they are interested in learning more about life beyond Lexington and the United States,” Says Mr. Mason, “participation in Sister Cities International can be an eye-opening experience to the uniqueness and similarities of other cultures across the world compared to our own.”
Mr. Mason himself wasn’t completely sure of joining the program at first, “I was unsure about the program because of the name, “Sister Cities.” The toxic masculinity I grew up with was like telling my adolescent brain “That club’s name is too girly to be a part of.” But, I am so glad I did not cave to the pressures of something as silly as thinking of being judged by the name of a group.” he says.
This is why being open-minded is important, as acting on it can make positive impacts on your life. Imagine how many opportunities you missed just for the fear of being judged, how much could you have accomplished today with an open mind?
Forming lifetime friendships is something you can always expect from programs like these. Programs that involve traveling make it so much easier to meet people and build bonds off of what you’re passionate about.
“I loved the fun, openness, and acceptance of my friends and their families as well as getting to spend a couple weeks in Japan,” Says Mr. Mason, “ I can’t say that Sister Cities necessarily helped me with writing, but it did help me gain more appreciation for art and literature from Japanese and other cultures.” he added.
A lot of times when you join programs like these, you leave with more knowledge and appreciation for things you never really expected to know about.
Applications are due by February 24, 2025, take on this amazing opportunity while it lasts!