We’re delighted to announce the winners of our 2025 “Dear Future Self” writing competition, run in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. Congratulations to Fathia, James and Julius for their excellent – and varied – entries.
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, the competition is overseen by our Vocational Committee and remains a testament to Rotary’s commitment to nurturing young talent. As lead judge, Past President Viv Pritchard said: “Supporting young people to make the best of their abilities and potential is an important role for Rotary worldwide. We believe we can make a real difference by helping schools to challenge students to achieve excellence.”
Once again, students were asked to write letters to their future selves, imagining life 25 years from now. Although we had fewer entries than usual, the submissions – from students aged 12 to 17 – impressed the judging panel, which included Viv, former Rotarian Deborah Connolly and Inner Wheel member Rajini Dasan. “The judges agreed on a shortlist of five excellent submissions, all worthy of commendation,” Viv noted. “Selecting the prize winners from these proved very challenging!”
In the end, the judges awarded joint first prize (£75 each) to Fathia from Invicta Grammar School and James from Strood Academy. “Both winning pieces were well-structured, mature, well-researched and imaginative,” said Viv.
Fathia’s entry explored neuropsychology, dementia and the limits of technology: “Will robots not have taken over?” she mused, before responding: “There is that possibility, however, their inability to empathise renders them immediately unsuitable.”
James imagined his future as a robotics engineer, writing about a world where robots handle everyday chores. “Hopefully, the robots all run on solar power or some kind of renewable energy,” he wrote, adding: “Thinking of having to plug your robot in like a phone at night makes me smile.”
Julius took on different topic in his letter, discussing the future of the monarchy and its recent vulnerability: “The idea of Britain without the monarchy at its core feels strange. It’s a fundamental part of the nation’s identity,” he reflects.
The two other shortlisted entries, Yvonne from Chatham Grammar School and Emily from Invicta Grammar School, were highly commended; all participants received certificates. We are grateful to the generous donors who made the prizes possible.
Summing up the competition, Viv said: “This is a worthwhile competition which offers a good opportunity to schools to showcase their excellent teaching, and to students to demonstrate their writing skills.”
Congratulations to all who took part. We look forward to seeing where your words take you in the years ahead!
Pictures: Fathia (top left), James (top right) and Julius (bottom right) received their prizes via the teaching staff. Picture credit: Invicta School, Strood Academy (reproduced with permission) and Rotary Club of Canterbury.
