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July 6, 2020

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Light up your dream

Source: Shanghai Daily | 00:05 UTC+8 July 6, 2020 | Print Edition

DEAR moon,

My name is Amy. My perspective of you has changed over the years.

When I was in kindergarten, I thought of you as a dream I can reach but not quite hold. I kept dreaming that one day, I’ll fly to the moon and live there. I’ll build a community and watch the Earth rise and fall like the sun.

When I was in first and second grade, I thought of you as a friend to tell my troubles to when feeling lonely. You will be there for me, no matter what. The only thing that changes because it has to, but because it wants to.

Now, I think of you as something that rarely appears in my life. But even when you appear, people hardly notice you. Now, I don’t marvel at your beauty or how faraway you are. I simply think of you when I think of you. You just fade into the background of people’s lives.

When I was in kindergarten, I used to ask my mom all the time, “Can I fly onto the moon?” She used to answer me, “Sure, remember to bring back some photos!” Now, whenever the question pops up, she just answers, “What is going on in that water-filled brain of yours? Go read a book.” Then, she goes back to her precious iPhone.

I realized that as parents, they should be encouraging, instead of diminishing their children’s hopes. This is what “Inspiring Dreams” is about — to inspire children’s curiosity. Many parents want their children to be like Elon Musk or Neil Armstrong, but the point is whether the tiger moms are as inspiring as Mrs Musk or as witty as Mrs Armstrong.

Curiosity is like the pedal to speed up the ship, whereas kindness is like the steering wheel to keep the ship in the right direction. “Youth is wasted on the young.” It’s time to keep dreaming, even if it’s a daydream.

Moon,

You who shine our light.

For kids imagination can take flight.

See how a mom answers all.

For love, dreams ignite.

 

Amy Niu, 11, expressed her dreams and thoughts on creativity through a letter to the moon.

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