PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 5, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University senior Shantal Taylor, who aspires to become a community physician after she graduates, is also a writer.
Taylor, set to earn a B.S. in chemistry with a biomedical concentration and minor in biology this month, took first place in the University’s 11th Annual Essay and Oratory Contest, themed “Creating Generational Wealth.”
Compared to past years’ themes — “African Americans and the Arts: Bearing Sorrow, Finding Joy” in 2024 and “Claiming Our Freedom” in 2023 — this year’s theme stands out in its realistic practicality. Taylor’s winning essay makes a powerful case for why students in college should begin investing in themselves now to build a foundation for the next generation.
“By avoiding common economic traps, making a plan for our future, and investing in ourselves, we can also achieve this change and create a foundation on which to build a generation in just a few years,” she wrote, noting the world of finance and commerce is “ever evolving,” creating new financial pitfalls.
Taylor understands the importance of communication in any field or industry. So, the contest presented an opportunity for her to pursue her extracurricular interests beyond her declared major.
Interestingly, her essay features the unique perspective of “Sarah,” an imaginary friend persona Taylor created to present her case. Sarah embodies Taylor’s observations of her peers, shared struggles and experiences, and mutual lessons learned.
“Sarah was both the freshman many of us once were and the graduating senior we all want to become,” Taylor said, “Though I am not as successful as Sarah, I wrote honestly about the ideas I had put into action after thorough research.”
In particular, Taylor draws attention to buy now, pay later schemes that have surged in popularity in recent years. Taylor, in her essay, also delves into the deeper roots behind capitalism: a society that is increasingly materialistic and superficial.
“As a result, I challenge every young adult to think for themselves about the true value of a dollar,” Taylor writes. “To me, the value of a dollar is not determined by what it can do today but by what it can do in the future.”
Finally, Taylor highlights the importance of building generational wealth in marginalized communities as the wealth gap continues to grow.
“By prioritizing our education and financial literacy, we, as students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are best positioned to overcome the generational cycles of financial instability and stunted mobility of the Black community,” Taylor wrote. “Through a collective effort to learn, grow, and thrive, we can ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge, resources, support, and foundation necessary to prosper and compete alongside their peers.”
Taylor, along with other essay winners, participated in the April 8 oratory showcase.
From L-R: Shantal Taylor, Jayven Jean-Louis, Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith (organizer), Justin Lewis, Kamryn Jackson
This year, the top four winners of the contest received cash prizes:
Shantal Taylor – first place with a prize of $3,000
Jayven Jean-Louis – second place with a prize of $2,500
Kamyrn Jackson – third place with a prize of $2,000
Justin Lewis – fourth place with a prize of $1,000
PVAMU’s Essay and Oratory Contest began in 2014 with funds provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Today, the event, supported jointly by the Office of the President and of the Provost, continues to make a positive impact on students who participate, as well as on those who receive the messages conveyed by the words in the essays and speeches.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-