Image Credit: aaci.org
San Jose, California: The Growing Up in America (GUA) Contest, hosted by AACI in partnership with NBC Bay Area, marks its 30th anniversary this year.
The annual contest invites K-12 students from nine Bay Area counties to express their thoughts through art, essays, and videos.
This year’s theme, “Facing My Fears,” encourages participants to explore the nature of fear and how to manage it.
Key Facts:
- Students from nine Bay Area counties (including Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Alameda) can participate.
- Submissions are open from March 1 to March 15; winners will be announced in May.
- Since its opening, GUA has provided a platform for thousands of young voices to share their stories and celebrate cultural identity.
Originally called Growing Up Asian in America, the contest has evolved to become more inclusive, reflecting the diversity of young Americans today.
Each year, students submit artwork, essays, or videos based on a theme that encourages self-expression and civic engagement.
This year’s theme, “Facing My Fears,” invites students to reflect on their personal fears—differentiating between healthy and unhealthy fears—and how they have overcome them.
The contest aims to promote self-awareness, resilience, and community support.
Educators and parents praise the initiative for helping students articulate their emotions and challenges.
The contest plays a vital role in fostering creative expression, mental health awareness, and cultural understanding.
Studies show that encouraging children to articulate their fears can improve emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, by collaborating with NBC Bay Area, AACI ensures that student voices reach a wider audience, emphasizing the importance of self-expression in shaping future leaders.
Do You Know?
The fear response originates in the amygdala, a small structure in the brain responsible for processing emotions.
However, the prefrontal cortex helps regulate and manage fear through logical thinking—showing why talking about fears can help us overcome them! (Source: American Psychological Association)
Key Terms:
AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement): A nonprofit supporting underserved communities through health and wellness programs.
Civic Engagement: Actively participating in the community to create positive change.
Amygdala: The brain’s fear-processing center that triggers the fight-or-flight response.
Prefrontal Cortex: The part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and managing emotions.