By Sanjana Prasad, Third Place Winner ( Grades 5th to 8th)

“My fellow Americans, you know how much I love this country. You know what I will sacrifice for America, the land of opportunity, which is why I stand here now,” I start my inauguration address smoothly. As I continue discussing my policies with certainty, everyone lets out a sigh of relief, realizing they have elected a great president.

“The economy, on top of my list of priorities, will be taken care of. If everyone panics and gets rid of all their stocks, the government can not be expected to fix the market. We need everyone's cooperation,” I convincingly explain. Proceeding on into the Iraq War, I confidently promise to pull the troops out, after consulting with General Petraeus. And so my speech carries on, dealing with many problems.

“Thank you, citizens of America, for electing your first female President into office. I guarantee you, you will not regret it!” Thus, I conclude my first speech as President of the United States. The thundering ovation congratulates me on my victory.

The next week, I sit in the Oval Office, contemplating my first move as President. Seated in front of me is Mr. Bernanke, the man who saved the economy by cutting interest rates.“Well, ma'am,” the Secretary of Finance begins, “we should start a relief rally to make the stock buyers comfortable. If the people remain content with the stock market, they will keep their present shares. Otherwise, stocks will be haphazardly traded away. In order to fuel our economy, interest rates may have to be lowered even further. More people need to buy products made in America to support the economy.” After taking a deep breath, he comments, “Constantly, more and more houses are being claimed by banks for foreclosure. This tremendously drives the prices down. We also have to do something about this.”

After considering several plans to boost the stock and house markets, my conference with Ben Bernanke ends. Just thinking of how to keep my promise to the American public gives me a headache. To lift my spirits, my meeting with General Petraeus produces a strategy. The soldiers have to be slowly removed to maintain stability in Iraq. In one month, about one twelfth of the troops will be brought home. If we keep withdrawing soldiers at this rate, only one twelfth of our forces in Iraq will remain. Before pulling them out too, the Sunni Peace Group must show us they can handle the government. Thus, the veterans will be brought home and security will be restored.

As this plan is being carried out, the situation in Kenya stares me in the face. In a meeting with Congress, it becomes apparent that we can not afford to send troops to help. The majority vote decided to conduct a United Nations meeting about sending soldiers and supplies to Kenya. During this conference with Congress, the threat of Iran' s nuclear program comes up. To truly find out what they intend to do, we have to confront President Ahmadinejad. If they refuse to cooperate or will try to accomplish a horrible deed, we may have to destroy the power plant. Also, the elections in Pakistan are discussed.

“We need to get a better person elected. Musharraf obviously killed Benazir Bhutto, his main political rival. By doing this, he makes it clear that he will rule as a dictator,” I explain. “How should we deal with this?”

A Congressman suggests using our army to overthrow him and then put a more suitable person on office. Unanimously, everyone agrees not to use the military in fear of a war in Pakistan. Finally, we decide to hold elections where Americans take the polls and count the votes. By doing so, somebody whom the Pakistani public likes will be elected, and the American idea of democracy will be spread throughout the world.

After all these matters are decided on, I think about the child health care programs. An agreement to fund them passes through the Senate and Congress and is sitting on my desk. The children of America need such organizations to help them. Most importantly, they need to stay healthy and have the chance to live. These kids will become the future of this country. Realizing its importance, I also agree to pay for more health care organizations without a second thought.

After completing this, I move onto the issue of women getting lower salaries in spite of doing the same jobs as men. Since men and women are already considered equal, I find no need in passing another law. Delivering a speech and visiting companies accused of this would be done for sure. The next week, I will stand in front of thousands of people and speak about women's lower salaries.“Wasn't America built on equality? How much have we suffered to make sure men and women are equal? To make sure people of all religions and nationalities are equal? And yet, today, some women are being paid lower salaries compared to men in the same company.

That's not equal!” I scream to the crowd. Passionately, I continue this speech. At the end, I conclude, “And do not worry, fellow citizens, the country is in good hands.”Everybody stands up and cheers, happy to have such a president. As I smile and wave to the audience, I realize that no matter how much stress it brings, I will not give up this position for the world.

Judges' comments:

Scott Herhold:Well-written, may have slightly imperial idea of the presidency.  Nice candor in this:""Just thinking of how to keep my promise to the American public gives me a headache.''

Shana Dhillon: WOW! This essay is amazing! I love the narration and the way that this person obviously knows what they are talking about. They really address some different issues than the previous essays: finance, war, Kenya, Pakistan, child health care, and women’s equality. Far different from the cliché ideas about what needs to be changed in the U.S. Very well written and well researched! Very creative and original!

Vidya Pradhan: Creative approach to the topic..breezy conversational style makes it look a little flippant, but excellent coverage of issues. Also commended for actually imagining the life of the presidency as opposed to making it a campaign speech. 

Sanjana Prasad is a 7th grade student at Challenger School in Newark, California. Essay published as submitted.

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