Student Essays Tackle Haitian Economy

Aaron Cooke, a Westmont senior from Bakersfield, Calif., majoring in economic development, won $500 for his first-place entry in a campus-wide essay contest about economic liberty and the rebuilding of the Haitian economy. Cooke’s essay, “Haiti: Cultivating Opportunity From Crisis,” analyzes the economic impact of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and explores several policy proposals to address the long-term needs of the Haitian economy. The Westmont Economics and Business Department and the economics honorary society Omicron Delta Epsilon (Alpha Pi chapter) sponsor the annual essay contest.

Professor Edd Noell says judges commented that Cooke’s essay “demonstrates compelling economic analysis in offering thoughtful and well-crafted policy measures. His piece is carefully grounded in particular evidence, relies on solid organization and reasoning, and is presented in a clear yet nuanced writing style.”

Emily Rottman, a Westmont junior from Brookfield, Wis., won $300 for her second-place entry.

The Haitian economic challenge has been exacerbated by the recent devastating earthquake. Professor Noell notes that “Students were asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of foreign aid efforts in Haiti and particularly focus on the best long-term measures to enhance Haitian per-capita incomes.” The essays discussed the strongest policy measures aligned with economic freedom which would secure the long-run growth of productivity and living standards in Haiti.

A panel of judges, which included economics and business department faculty, critiqued the essays on quality and quantity of arguments and evidence offered, organization, writing skills, depth and breadth of research and clarity.