The College Woman’s Club of Westfield is pleased to announce Westfield resident Anya Balakumaran as the winner of our sophomore essay contest entitled “A Letter to My Younger Self.”  We asked sophomore students to reflect on their ‘younger’ self and to examine their successes and failures. The contest requested they include important messages they might wish to tell their younger self.  

The committee members were impressed with Anya’s maturity, grit, and ability to articulate so clearly and effectively her reflections.  Her essay was very personal.  The committee admired her ability to express profoundly challenging experiences with grace and poise.

Anya was the recipient of a $150 Amazon gift card.  Our members were touched by the essays submitted by the young women.  We wish them all good luck in their remaining HS years.

Through the years, the College Woman’s Club of Westfield has played a singular role in the intellectual, cultural and civic life of Westfield.  We have awarded more than 500 scholarships to Westfield women.  Since 1995, we’ve awarded more than $1M in scholarships.