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Essay/Art Contest
Not long ago, the Center for a New American Dream conducted an essay/art contest for young people 17 and under. Entrants were asked to create an essay or a piece of art titled: "What I Really Want That Money Can't Buy." We asked that question to get a sense of perspective about today's young people. In an age of relentless materialism and commercialism, what is it that kids REALLY want?
The contest surprised us for a number of reasons. For starters, we were literally overwhelmed with entries - 1,703 to be exact. It was also clear to us that the message of the contest resonated not only with children, but with educators. Dozens of teachers sent in entries submitted by entire classes. Many crafted lessons from the topic, and sent us effusive letters of thanks. More importantly, though, we were struck by the emotional weight of the essays and artwork. And as you will see, our children want love, time, and respect. They want their parents to be together and they want safe classrooms. Sure beats a trip to the mall.
The winning art piece came from six year-old Lydia P of Minnesota, who won for her picture "A Happy Heart."
The winning essay was written by fourteen year-old Erika C of Tennessee. Erika's essay, which reminds us that kids need their parents' time more than anything that money can buy, is especially important during the holiday season.
 What I really want that money can't buy is unconditional love. As a kid, I need to know that no matter what happens, no matter what grades I get - I will be loved. So many of my friends have parents that work all the time. They are not sure their parents love them, I guess because they are not there. I want to know that I am loved, because my parents are there. Just by their presence, I feel that I am loved. My dog, Casanova, loves me. Sometimes I yell at him, and sometimes I hug him. But no matter what I do, he always wags his tail and comes running up to me. He has unconditional love.
My parents love me and buy me many things. But what tells me they love me the most is when they listen to me. Things are great, but what I really want is their time. What my friends really want is their parents' time. Maybe go for a walk, and talk. Maybe a bike ride and a lecture talk about money. If you just do stuff together and smile, I will know you love me. I do things with my mom a lot, but my dad works and sleeps. I know we need the money, but I wish he would do more things with me. What I really want is for all parents to just spend time with their kids. America would be a happier country.
Erika C, 14
TN
Congratulations go out to all the children who participated in this contest. We really appreciated and enjoyed your essay and artwork. Here are some of the finalists:
 Money can buy you anything material: the fanciest food, the coolest clothes, the hottest and newest of anything. Money can buy you a lot of things, but it can't buy you true happiness.
When I was younger it was just my mother, sister, and me. My mother worked three jobs to keep us afloat. We never had the biggest house but it was clean. We didn't have the most popular clothes but they didn't have holes and they were new. We didn't have the cool car but it ran and there weren't any holes or anything in it. We didn't have a lot but it was ours and I know I was happier then than now. Maybe it was because I didn't have a lot to worry about because I was a little kid. I don't know, but even though now I have the popular clothes and cars and the nice house, I was happier then.
When we didn't have any extra money my mother, sister, and I would pretend to have a picnic in the living room, like we were camping. Mama would pack real picnic food, put it in a basket, and round up Joanne and I. We would eat and laugh about the littlest things.
Now I live very comfortably and when I want something I get it. I do have the popular clothes and a nice house and car, but I am not happier. Sometimes I wish I didn't have extra money, like when I was littler. Even with all the money in the world, true happiness can't be bought.
Camie M, 15
NE
 This was a hard question! There are lots of things that I want when I see them, but then I forget about them when they aren't around. The thing that I talk about wanting the most is - time. I wish that I had more time in a day to play. I would really like more time to learn about interesting things. When I am doing something fun I get sad when it's over. If I could have more time when I want, I could make fun things last as long as I wanted them to. I know that there are a lot of people that would like to be able to have more time. Wouldn't it be cool if it was possible? Thank you for reading my essay.
Wayde J, 9
CA
My dad. My dad died about four years ago. I would do anything for him to be here with me and my brother and sister. He died in a plane crash the Value Jet. He was the nicest dad in the world. We used to play all the time together. He was A Great DAD!
Natalie G, 7
Palm Coast, FL
 What I really want that money cannot buy are responsible people in this world. People that will not litter. People that show love to this world. Things like potato chip bags, papers, etc., are things that need to be picked up. Not just one person should do that, but many others. God made humans to do good will. Not to do anything to harm his creation. I live in a house that my parents do not own. We rent the house.
The house is owned by a foot doctor. He is very, very kind. Well we have a parking lot for my car to park, because we live there and spaces for the nurses, himself, and patients. I see people drop their garbage in the lot. It is very embarrassing not just for my family but for the owner of the house. It makes me upset to see garbage in the parking lot. I try to pick it up and throw it away but the next day it has more garbage in it. It is useless. That is why I want responsible people in this world.
Carolann J, 10
NJ
 What do I want that money can't buy? That is a hard question today. Something that money can't buy.Well, money can buy almost anything, but not being able to walk in my classroom in the morning, knowing that the kid just down the hall does not have a gun in his pocket, backpack, or anywhere.
I want the schools of America to be safe. Not by security guards in every school, but by educating the kids of America. Kids need love, but kids are very hateful. Some get nothing from their parents, others get all the love that can be given from their parents. But, I would like to be able to be confident that there will not be another Columbine incident. That there will not be another killing of another person's life because of who they are, or what they look like. I want the schools of America to be safe.
Emily B, 12
FL
 I want Independence in my country (Kosovo). Independence is something that you can win and not buy. A lot of people died to win Independence for their country. I want my country to be Independent and not to have any more fighting. I don't want any more people to die. I felt bad about leaving my home, my country. Someday, if the fighting stops maybe I will go home again. Then I will see my friends, grandparents, cousins and others. I miss them too much.
Armend B, 11
NY
I'm in a group home and what I want that money can't buy is to go home and be with my family. I miss them a lot. The reason I can't live with theme is because I didn't go to school. I promised the Judge that I would go to school. But he wouldn't let me go home. I want to earn trust from the Judge, so he will let me go home.
I love my family a lot, but sometimes I wished I had a new life but I would want to be with my real family. I just want my life to start over, so I would be at home. I wished I would have been good so I would be at home. But I didn't and know I'm here at (name omitted). I cry every night before I go to bed. This is not the life I want to live. I want to be with my family like a normal kid. P.S. I would like to win this scholarship to prove to the Judge that I am worthy of school.
Amanda, 13
SC
Hi, my name is Anastasia Shiyanova. I am 10 years old. I was born in Russia and now I live in Jersey City, New Jersey with my mom. What do I really want that money can't buy? A lot! I want to be with all of my family-my grandma, my grandpa, my aunt Aliona, and my aunt Sveta, my litter cousins Eugene and Vera. I want to play in the snow every winter. I want to swim in the ocean every summer. I want to plant trees in the park with my friends every spring. I want to jump in puddles every autumn. I want to adopt a homeless dog and a little kitten from a shelter (mom, please let me!) and teach them never to fight. I want there to be peace on Earth and I want people to take better care of our planet.
Sincerely, me,
Anastasia S,
10
NJ
People say that money buys you everything. I know that's not true. Money can never buy you love or happiness. You cannot go into a store and pay a person to be your friend. I mean you could, but I would rather meet them under a big apple tree. Happiness is one of the most important things in a person's life. It brings joy and love to a person's heart. I learned this when I was little and I will never forget the saying. "Money can't buy you everything."
Rebekah M, 11
ID
My father left my house when I was just two years old, and I have never been the same since. Even though my mom is great, and tries to do all she can for me. I still feel the empitness of not having a dad. I know what it means to long to hear him call my name and to lift me up on his back. I miss his laugh and his strong hands helping me and my mom. I miss him so much. I don't think he realizes how much I really need him in my life, and how much he means to me.
What I really want that money can't buy is for my father to come back home, or come to see me, or just write me. That would mean more than anything in the world to me. I know some kids are writing for world peace and good things like that, and what I want may seem selfish, but it is the truth. I really miss my father.
Cassandra A, 11
MI
What do you really want that money can't buy?
What do I want that money can't buy?
A raindrop, a dewdrop, the fourth of July.
The pride that comes with a job well done,
My name on the honor roll or a medal I've won.
My mom's bedtime stories-whether funny or scary,
A nighttime visit from the generous Tooth Fairy.
Snow days that keep me home from school,
The sand between my toes and the public pool.
Fireflies illuminating a dark summer night,
The perfect autumn day to fly a kite.
Wrestling with my brothers or hugging my dad,
Helping my little sister read makes me feel so glad.
What I really want more than anything,
are the things that money can't buy,
Like love, laughter, happiness-
and the beauty of a sunset that makes me just sigh.
Mary G, 9
IL
What I really want that money can't buy, acceptance. I know what it feels like to be on the other side, a dork, a dweeb, you get the picture, right? Well, I'll tell you what, I would have done close to anything to just have one of those popular people say "hi" to me, or even just glance at me, as long as I was noticed. Without the feeling of acceptance from your peers, your life seams dull and stupid because you don't have anyone to tell about "what happened at lunch" or "what you did over the holidays."
Believe me, the only way you can truly be accepted would to be self confident, without self confidence, how are you going to feel about yourself? - Horrible! Many kids feel so unaccepted that they turn to razor blades, drinking, drugs, and even suicide, but you can turn that around, if you stop worrying about what they might say about you, but what you say about yourself. I used to be unaccepted, but now I am living happily with many friends, and my whole life ahead of me.
Christopher P, 13
OH
Hi, my name is Ariel Murph, and I can talk, but, you see, my little sister is almost seven, and she still cannot talk. My sister Lily has apraxia. My sister is very smart, and her brain works just fine. Her body works fine too. But you see they don't work good together. I love her very much, it's just sometimes hard to understand her.
My sister is in kindergarten, and she has a full day aide. She has very good friends who treat her just the same as everybody else. But you know something? She is the most popular kid in our school. Kids come up to me and say "Hey Ariel, you are Lily's sister," and I'll say right back to them, "Yep I sure am." Most of them I don't really know. So this essay is about my sister Lily, and that she can't talk, and I would buy anything to change that, But money just can't do that for me, and my family. So that's why I wrote this essay.
Ariel M, 9
FL
For lots of people, money is the problem. Sometimes, when a family's economics are at an all time low, the only thought in their heads is, "How are we going to pay our taxes," or, "The bills come tomorrow! Will the IRS repossess our house?" and, "Well, the kids will have to make do with a pad of paper for Christmas." But, more valuable than money are the things it can't buy. So, let's concentrate on the simplicity of those things that a good family can all make and share.
Money can't buy love. But a good family can supply it. So think, you're receiving something great and not paying for it! Love is always the perfect gift, and it's free. Just think of how special you can make someone feel. So, the first thing on my list of "What Money Can't Buy," is LOVE. Money can't buy comfort. Comfort, like love, is also given by family members, such as kids, or parents, pets, and other relatives. When you're comforted, you should feel safe, warm, and relaxed. The second thing on my list is COMFORT. Money can't buy happiness. But everyone can give you happiness. When you feel happy, you feel good. The processes of life, if you make the right choices, will always be full of happiness. So, I would also like HAPPINESS. That concludes my list of "Things Money Can't Buy." What great gifts.
Alex S, 12
FL
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