When 18-year-old Fue Xiong’s English teacher Anthony Jacobs assigned his class to write and submit essays to Chipotle’s “Cultivating Thought” student essay contest, Fue knew he wanted to keep his submission simple, showing how much a plate of rice and sardines can help a refugee family.
Fue’s essay, Two Minutes About Sardines, which chronicles his family’s last day in a refugee camp before leaving to start a new life in the United States, was selected as one of 10 winning essays submitted by students from across the country. Fue will receive a $20,000 college scholarship, and a line from his essay will be featured nationwide on Chipotle’s packaging.
“It’s a dream come true,” says Fue. “I didn’t tell anyone for a couple of days, but I told Mr. Jacobs and he is happier than I am.”
Fue is taking a gap year while he serves in the Minnesota National Guard. During the year, he also plans to work part-time and spend time with his mother before attending the University of Minnesota. He hopes to major in chemistry or biology and pursue a career as a pharmacist.
To read Xiong’s essay and those of the other contest winners, visit the website here.
