Meet the union's writing contest winners!
Fall 2024Our union’s writing contest draws in dozens of submissions from the talented and creative children of our members each year. This year’s winners captivated the contest’s judges, professional journalists Charles Bagli and Tom Robbins, with their words, stories, and sincerity.
Gratitude to the Rubin Family
The Rubin Family has been funding this contest since its inception 22 years ago. Laurel Rubin, the granddaughter of the first president of our union, Jay Rubin, generously donated the award money this year. Thank you to Laurel and her family for giving us a forum to celebrate the brilliant children of our union.
Overall Winner:
Amashi Arachchi
Parent: Deepani Alawaththa Gamaralalage (Room Attendant, Crowne Plaza Times Square)
“I’ve always felt like I was standing on a bridge, stuck between two worlds that never quite met. Born in New York City to Sri Lankan immigrant parents, I grew up in this strange in-between space."
Matteo López
Parent: Silvia Guidos-López, Front Desk Agent, InterContinental Barclay
“The city is daunting. The people do not have to be. Our skyscrapers are overwhelming. Our people are not. Our subways are cold. We have the opportunity to make them warm.”
Taskin Arisha
Parent: Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan (Busperson, InterContinental Times Square)
“There was a sense of tension that hung in the air that constricted our necks more than our cozy, oversized scarfs ever could. The warmth that was once seeping through the delicate, wrapper of the cookies that we nibbled on, turned into a biting cold that left our fingers numb.”
Gabriela McGrue
Parent: Kelvin McGrue, Doorperson, Baccarat
“The absolute worst thing mama does when she’s mad at me is say ‘Dios me ayude.’ I don’t even have to know what that means, all I know is that after she says those three words, she looks at me with those two brown eyes like I don’t belong, like I’m bad.”
Tenzin Tsering
Parent: Tenzin Lhakey (Room Attendant, Mark Hotel)
“My Ama is my superhero because she has always been there for me when I needed her and she has taught me perseverance, kindness, and compassion. And I believe that the many other parents working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a better future for their children are also truly modern-day superheroes.”
Daden Ghising
Parent: Penpa Tsering, Houseperson, Empire Hotel
“In the Buddhist religion, we are taught that kindness is the center path for everything. As a youngster, I had no idea what any of that meant, but my dad was there to guide me along the way. He taught me about having empathy for all living things, to abandon an ego, have forgiveness, and to express generosity.”
Jason Lama
Parent: Doma Lama (Room Attendant, Hard Rock)
“Sherpa culture is not just about surviving; it’s about respecting and living in harmony with nature. They have spiritual practices that honor the mountains, rivers, and glaciers. The Sherpas refer to Mount Everest as “Chomolungma,” which means “Goddess Mother of the World.” But as the environment changes, they have to change their way of life.”