The Uplands Language and Literature faculty is proud to announce that this year’s FOBISIA International Short Story contest winner is none other than our own Elizabeth (Yoonsong) from 11H with her beautiful story entitled “Our Street”. Elizabeth’s story was chosen by the English faculty as the representative from Uplands because of its unique exploration of this year’s theme: Memories. Author Ruth Eastham served as the guest judge for the contest, hosted by The British International School of Vietnam in HCMC. Her words capture the power of Elizabeth’s story best:
“In this powerful piece of writing, we meet two childhood friends, and enjoy a cascade of vivid snapshots of happy times spent together. Many readers will relate to the joyful scenarios of play and be absorbed in them.
Then the tone of the writing turns, morphing into the sadness of childhood lost to the weight of adulthood. A longing to relive the exuberance of youth.
Towards the end, for me the writer sums up the theme of memories beautifully:
Memories are fickle. Sometimes they are painful, sometimes they invoke joy, sometimes they are so minuscule not even you can understand its significance. Some are best remembered with others where you can laugh and cry, commemorating, reminiscing. Some are so treasured it feels like a violation to share it out in the open… But we must remember, for time moves on and our memories will become the only testament in capturing our sorrows, our triumphs, our fears, and our flaws.
Well done, Yoonsong!”
If you have not had the chance, you can read all the wonderful submissions from our talented Uplands writers right here in our digital anthology.
Shannon Kerry
Head of Language and Literature Faculty
