Reflection

My poem was written from the perspective of a young girl who gradually became aware of the effects of the drought on her community. This creative process was inspired by myself, a teenager who has lived in the Philippines, a developing country, since the age of two. The poem conveys deep emotions of appreciating what is given in the moment and not taking anything for granted. While researching climate change and the water cycle, I realized that while this issue has been socially mentioned several times, spreading awareness isn't enough without the passion and work of individuals, particularly young teens. In my poem "Early October in Seodaesan," I address only the issue of climate change and drought, with no further engagement. This is part of the theme, demonstrating how, despite our awareness of the importance of these environmental issues, little action is taken.