Reflection

Reflection

This boy has everything — big computers, games, a nice view to the city. But all of this he thrusts aside; instead, his eyes are set upon a humble jar, but one that is teeming with life, brightly lit by rays of hope. He is a dreamer who sees the beauty in nature. I strongly believe that we have to give young children the opportunity to see and feel nature instead of staring at a screen that feeds constant entertainment. In a world still growing with man-made structures, we must remind children of the nature we were born in and are still a part of. If there is no appreciation for its beauty, there will be no effort to protect it. I have a plan: to include ecology as a core subject beyond the traditional learning setting in primary education systems around the world; to have more school field trips to places untouched by man; or to simply introduce jars to the classroom like the one in the painting. All it takes for these types of jars is one water plant, potting soil, gravel, and tap water. I have several at home with micro-freshwater shrimp (Neocaridina sp.). Whenever I peer into the glass, I am reminded of the strength and beauty that nature carries without human intervention. Currently, I teach the cello to children who do not have access to music education, and I am excited to give some of my jars to them as soon as the coronavirus situation gets better.