Reflection

As a 17-year-old girl who just moved from one country to another, defining “home” is a really hard one to answer. I’ve become a stranger to both, but through nature, I found my purpose. It became my ‘safe haven’. Back in my country, the Philippines, I used to be an active environmental advocate. I was a student leader for the environmental youth organization at my school. From organizing events and making graphic designs to joining environmental quizbees and poster-making contests—I found purpose through being one of our environment’s voices. Then, out of the blue, my family moved to the U.S. It shook the plans I had for myself. But like a tree in a storm, I tried not to break—thanks to nature. By looking at the mountains here, butterflies, and even talking to the dandelions and daisies I pass by when walking home tired from school, it reminds me of the beauty of nature even back at home—the waves, sunshine, and moments I've shared with people in it. It reminds me how the nature heals—it listens. It reminds me that no matter how hard everything is, I have the whole world, along with His creations, to protect…to love. My artwork reflects this journey. Using recycled paper, I made a paper-mâché heart as the center part—though it’s cracked, its still has sprouting flowers, corals, leaves, and even fingers reaching out which shows my relationship with nature. The yarn in the cracks symbolizes how nature “stitched” me. Around it are sketches that represent my journey: the Philippine and American eagles, dandelions, protest signs, and people like Florence Williams—proof of how nature can heal people like me. This piece shows how I’ve healed and how our resilience is shared with nature. It shows that “home” isn’t always actually about a place, Its about the connection you feel about something—which is what I’ve realized through this contest. And for me, no matter where I go, my heart will always and forever be with nature. That’s why I say, home is where the heart is—and mine…belongs to nature.