'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' Essay Contest

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an account of the relationship between "Henrietta Lacks" the person and "HeLa cells" the cultured cell line derived from her cancer. This story offers much worth examination, including but not limited to its social, historical, ethical, educational, scientific and spiritual dimensions. Choose one or more of these dimensions as the focus of your discussion, identify the most compelling question(s) raised within it or them concerning the story of Henrietta Lacks, her cells, and her legacy, and justify your position.

You may reflect and write about this book directly, or use it as a springboard into a discussion of a current or recurrent related dilemma. 

Your essay should be 1200-1500 words. You may cite outside sources, but it is not a requirement. The winning essay on this campus will be submitted for consideration in the regional competition, which will include essays from students at UCSD, SDSU, USD, Cal State San Marcos, Point Loma Nazarene and Grossmont College.

USD Level

A. Submit by email to emch@sandiego.edu

B. Entries due Dec. 16, 2011

C. Cash prizes for first place: $300; second place: $150; third place: $50