Winning Essay

Katrina Jackson, the daughter of MAFCU member Mike Jackson, was named one of seven finalists in the Massachusetts Credit Union League's 2011 Student Essay Contest for seventh and eighth graders.  Here is her essay.

"If I were the president of my local credit union, I would have everybody who works for me take the week off.  This extra week would not be devoted to ourselves (i.e. vacation or sitting around watching television), but to helping less fortunate people.  Each day of the week, all employees and their families have the opportunity to visit a different cause or charity.  For instance, the first day (Monday) would be devoted to visiting a nursing home.  Here we would help the elderly feel loved and happily care for them.  On Tuesday, a trip to Children's Hospital or some other medical center would be very much appreciated by those suffering there. On Wednesday, perhaps a run to raise money for cancer would be nice or giving away money to our clients' favorite charities.  Thursday may find my employees and me decorating a giant card to send to Haitians along with an assorted collection of goods and other much needed products.  On the last day, I would try to do something very big to show how we really uphold our philosophy.  I would have previously sent all the nearby orphanages a short test for each of the orphans to take.  The five or so brightest would earn a free trip to the Museum of Science or some other fun but educational place, sponsored by my company.  This would conclude my "People Helping People" week and assure my clients of our integrity and kindness."