William Penn Life, 2006 (41. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
2006-11-01 / 11. szám
What Fraternalism Means to Me FIRST PRIZE - New Students - $500 Jessica L. Wilson, Branch 89 Homestead, PA The concept of fraternalism has been around for decades and as the century has made its revolutions, so has the definition. Today, fraternalism means companionship and helping people through common courtesy. Throughout America's history, society has survived because of our dependence upon one another. The need for organizations, built upon the foundation of bonding and a belief that each individual has a responsibility for their fellow men and women, is stronger than ever, especially during the difficult past years. During wars, fraternalism needs to be abundantly present for benefits to surface. Today's companies are working hard to develop new programs and offer new benefits that will continue the tradition of the fraternal spirit into our everchanging times and culture. America's founding fathers believed in society's ability to work together and fratemalism. It began with common interests for the benefit of all. I look at fraternalism as people with different backgrounds, from different cultures, coming together and realizing that we all have the same basic needs. Working together helps to improve all communities in which we live, work and play. STUDENTS APPLYING FOR GRANTS through the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation were asked to submit, among their application materials, a 100-word essay. The topic for this year’s applicants was: “What Fraternalism Means to Me.” All essays were read and judged by members of the Foundation’s Executive Committee, and the best essays were selected for special recognition. This was not an easy task as many fine essays were submitted, reflecting the outstanding fraternal spirit of our young memberscholars. Prizes in the form of additional cash grants were awarded to the top three essays among both new and renewal applicants. We proudly publish those six winning essays here. FIRST PRIZE - Renewal Students - $500 Margaret C. Zielaski, Branch 14 Cleveland, OH According to my understanding of this term, fraternalism refers to situations in which companionship and solidarity are present amongst people. More specifically, it is the coming together of individuals, especially in times of suffering and distress, to overcome difficult challenges they are faced with. By freely extending this helping hand to others, people are not only demonstrating their compassion and generosity, but they are also opening the doors to a more enjoyable life for their fraternal brothers. This admirable behavior was characteristic of the Hungarian coal miners who founded the William Penn Association in Pennsylvania. By willingly helping many Hungarian immigrants, these men set the example of fraternalism in America, a tradition that continues to flourish today. For example, fraternalism is present in the local soup kitchens and homeless shelters in Cleveland. It is also seen in high school and college students, including myself, who travel throughout the United States for the sole purpose of helping families living in poverty with their homes and trailers. I believe that if each one of us reaches out to someone in need, the example of fraternalism set by the coal miners will continue to thrive, thus bringing a better quality of life to millions of people each day. 10 William Penn Life, November2006
