Young Writers Society

                                                                Art from the Heart

     I wanted a job to show my parents I work hard and be independent. And to my surprise last year, the opportunity presented itself. During that summer, all I could think about was making money and making my parents proud. While that was my main focus, I felt that there was something more than gaining materialistic things. Little did I know, this experience would change the way I viewed life.

     I began my first job as a drawing instructor at a church. All I had in mind was how much I would be making. And I must admit, my attitude was pretty selfish. I couldn’t help but feel scared, excited to work, and what was in store for me there.

     As I entered the room, I noticed there were kids of different ages ranging from 6 to 11 yrs. old. Their faces were eager and looking forward to learning about art. I couldn’t help but see the artistry that each one had, and how each paint brush stroke flew onto each canvas with ease. All of a sudden, a little shy girl walked into the room.

     “Sorry I’m late.” She said.

     “That’s ok,” I said. “Just pull a chair and sit wherever you would like.”

     As I began walking around the room, I viewed each or their artwork and I could see how much they adored it. After class was over, I walked up to the little girl.

     “Hello, my name is Czarina what is your name?”

     “My name is Mary.” She said shyly.

     “Well it’s nice to meet you Mary, and welcome to this class. Hope to see you next week.”

     And eventually, she came week after week to learn more. As weeks began progressing, I would grow and get to know Mary.

     One day during class, I asked the students what were their favorite hobbies, favorite kinds of art, and what they wanted to be when they grew up. And despite what many would think, Mary was the only one who wanted to become an artist. So of course, it really took me by surprise. After class, I asked her what interested her in art and how she fell in love with it. She then began to describe her story.

     “I grew up in a broken home where domestic violence was common, and there was no money for art supplies.” She said with tears in her eyes. “I would sell my toys just to be able to buy pencils and paper for school, but my parents would tear up my artwork and tell me I could never make a living with art. I would draw a lot in school, and it was the only place where I could feel comfortable to escape the situation I was in. But thanks to this church, I was able to better my artwork. Thank you for having a big heart to teach us each week.” And with those words, tears began to well up in my eyes. Listening to her talk, I in the same way knew what it was like to not having art supplies.

     Knowing that I started off with an ungrateful and selfish outlook, I couldn’t believe what she was saying. She was actually thanking me, when in reality; I should have been thanking the students for this job. After taking some time to think over what she said, I had come to a realization and an idea to help more people.

     After summer was over, I began an art program in the winter. This art program was for kids who didn’t have money for classes, and who wanted to be an artist but had no money for art supplies. And with the money I made that summer, I used it for the students to have art supplies.

     Through this experience, I’ve learned something. Life isn’t about the materialistic things or the money, because you can have all the money in the world but never be fully satisfied. And sometimes with the little you do have, you learn to appreciate it a lot more. The moment I finally gained true joy, was when I started thinking about others rather than myself.