DAS Art Competition: "Beauitful Different"

You may wonder how this theme manifests in my work. Let me explain. I have often felt excluded and overlooked due to my differences and wished I could fit in better. People naturally form groups with similar interests, collaborating and socializing together. Conversely, I frequently felt like an outsider, particularly because of my delayed comprehension, which alters the way I perceive information. This difference sometimes led to feelings of being undervalued and ashamed.

Recently, however, I’ve started to see the value and beauty in my uniqueness. My dyslexia allows me to notice details and approach things from a different angle, providing fresh insights and ideas. This unique perspective enhances my creativity in writing, personality, and art. Without my dyslexia, I wouldn't be able to express myself as creatively as I do.

Among various flowers, the red spider lily resonates with my personality. It is often linked with melancholy, sometimes called the "abandoned child flower." The red spider lily also symbolizes transformation, with its sudden and unexpected bloom representing personal growth and change. In the language of flowers, it signifies letting go and moving on, with its brief blooming period reminding us to cherish the present. Its unique, spidery petals embody creativity and imagination. It's vibrate color and unique shape represent creatively, courage and passion emphasizing my individuality while others also show my efforts to connect with others. It sounds like I have a deep understanding of myself and a thoughtful approach to interact with the world.

Some of you might have probably heard of the bamboo story. It was about a farmer who planted two different types of seeds at the same time. One took months to grow while the other took years. The farmer actually worked hard all day and put in a lot of effort in taking care of both plants. He gave them the required food, water, sunlight and fertilizer. The fern grew quickly within a short period but the bamboo did not show any progress even after so many years. He got frustrated.

The farmer just didn't know that during the past 4-5 years the little bamboo tree was using all the nourishment to grow below the soil and to develop its strong root system that would help it grow tremendously tall. The Chinese bamboo developed a strong foundation to help sustain itself in its later years. The moral of the story teaches us patience, persistence, faith, growth and that every person has a potential. This story resembles my parents frequently comparing my learning and academic performance to my cousin. Even if I feel that my progress is slow as compared to others or if I am failing too many times, have patience. One day, my hard work and persistence will finally help me fulfil my dreams. The farmer resembles my parents, my cousin is resembling the fern, and I am a little bamboo tree who is learning slowly. Who knows who I will become in the future?