Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Muhatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. could all be considered great influences, which is the topic of a Black Student Union-sponsored essay competition this month.

“Greatest Influence of My Life” is an event created to get students involved in writing, said Sherri Smith, director of Service Affairs for BSU.

Smith said the last time they had this event was five or six years ago.

She said she hopes for at least 15 to 20 students to participate.

The top three contestants will receive a plaque and two tickets to the Miss Black EIU pageant, presented at BSU’s Family Appreciation Dinner on Feb. 24.

Not all students choose historical figures as their greatest influence, however because family also has a great influence on student’s lives.

“My greatest influence is my boxing trainer, who taught me a lot,” said Van Grissom, a second-year biology grad student. “He kept me out of a lot trouble.”

“My parents are my greatest influence, because they’ve raised me and taught me everything,” said Angel Allen, a junior music education major. “They gave me values and the tools I’ve needed to go out into the world.”

Rhonda Bowdry, a sophomore recreation administration major, said her mother is her greatest influence.

“She’s been through a lot and still manages to smile,” Bowdry said.

This competition is open to all students.

An English professor and an African American studies professor will judge the essays based on the participants’ abilities to communicate their ideas to fit the title of the contest.

Essays must be at least 500 words long, typed, double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman font. Each participant should include a cover page that includes name, title of essay, date written, phone number and email address.

Essays should be submitted by 4 p.m. Feb. 16 and can be mailed to or dropped off at the Student Activities Center in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.