Two 13-year olds, Shobhitha Balasubramaniam and Jai-Onni D Outerbridge, from Sandys Secondary Middle School placed second and received Honourable Mention respectively in the recent Business Bermuda Essay Competition.Both students first heard about the contest during one of our school’s regular Monday assemblies. While Jai-Onni entered only because his teacher set the essay as a class assignment, Shobhitha wanted to see if she could be among the winners.Both writers surfed the internet for relevant information. They also talked with teachers and other adults in order to clarify their own ideas. Shobi, as she is sometimes called, and Jai-Onni then set about the writing, producing several drafts before the final version was ready for submission.Although she had entered to win, Shobhitha was still somewhat shocked when she was announced as the second place winner. On the other hand, his Honourable Mention caused Jai-Onni to jump for joy. On Thursday, March 3, both students enjoyed the delicious breakfast at the Hamilton Princess Hotel in the presence of Premier Paula Cox, with Jai-Onni describing the occasion as exciting and Shobhitha just awed at meeting the leader of the country and having an opportunity to discuss Bermuda’s economy with her.The entire experience helped Shobhitha sharpen her critical thinking skills and boosted Jai-Onni’s belief that he can do anything if he really tries.The winning essays are printed below: