THUNDER BAY — AI has always been interesting to Jalwin Grayser Jas Winston, which is why he made it his essay topic in the Lakehead Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test Essay writing contest.
The Lakehead Rotary Club hosts the 4-Way Test Essay writing contest each year, open for Grade 11 and 12 high school students in Thunder Bay and Nipigon.
“I've always been into computers and advancements in technology like that, because it's really interesting to me how AI can make new things understand in almost a human sense, quote unquote, and it can learn from information that's been given to it,” said Jalwin Grayser Jas Winston, the local winner of the contest.
“I also like ethics and debates and morals and things that relate to that and I wanted to combine the two and write it into an essay. The 4-way test provided a perfect opportunity for me to do that,” he added.
Jas Winston said it was a surprise to find out he won the contest.
“I got called down to the office and the guidance councillor told me I won first place, the $500, and I kind of just stood there frozen because I was pretty surprised I won that. I was kind of writing this just for fun, honestly, not even expecting to win,” he said.
Personally, Jas Winston said he’s not the biggest fan of writing essays, but added that when it’s something he’s passionate about, it comes a little easier.
“I was interested in AI and passionate about AI as explained and I just thought I might as well practice writing because I like talking about it,” said Winston.
Lots of research and information had to be confirmed throughout the process, he added.
“AI is our next big thing in humanity's advancement and I think it's important that everyone knows what its implications on the world are. I recommend people to do the research and formulate opinions and get strong research on it, so that they can understand what effect it will have in their lives because it will be everywhere soon," said Winston.
“It's already in all of our healthcare and transportation and in schools and universities everywhere. I think it's important that everyone should learn about AI. That's why I wanted to write this essay, to increase awareness about these topics,” he said.
The contest is focused on engaging youth to write a 500 to 1,000 word essay, that includes all four principles of the 4-way test. Those principles include: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
“This year we had 17 entries, which was an increase from last year which was great,” said Allan Kozlo, the past president of the Lakehead Rotary Club.
“We have members from our clubs reading and ranking the essays. Taking into account how it incorporates the 4-way test and making sure it stays within the 500 to 1000 word essay. Then from there we determine the top three essays locally and the first-place essay earns a prize of $500, second gets $300 and third place gets $200,” said Kozlo.
Kozlo explained after the winners are selected locally, five other winners are selected from 61 other clubs that will then go into a district contest.
“Jalwin, his name and his essay went forward and from there there's a prize at the district level as well. Should Jalwin win at the district level he would receive a cash award as well,” he said.
The prize for winning at the district level is about $1,000 in U.S. dollars.
