【简要】With a hint of (一丝) hurt and surprise in his eyes, Jack gently approached me. He patted my shoulder with a look of surprise and concern and asked, “What’s wrong?” I showed him my test paper and said in a trembling voice, “I can never catch up with you.” Jack smiled and touched my head. “You don’t need to compete with anyone,” he said. “Your value isn’t based on grades. You have your own strengths—don’t ignore them. Focus on being yourself.”
His words were like a warm breeze, blowing my depression away and changing my mindset. Even though I still had a lot of work and deadlines, I didn’t feel stuck in his shadow anymore. I realized comparing myself to others only made me unhappy. Instead of trying to be perfect, I aimed to do my best, which was much less stressful. Letting go of the pressure from one test score made me feel lighter. I started to believe that giving my best effort was already the best result.
I am deeply honored to win first prize in this competition. My artwork, titled “Whispers of Bamboo,” is a Chinese ink painting that features bamboo, symbolizing strength and perseverance in Chinese culture. Using a mix of green and black, I aimed to portray (描绘) its resilience, while gentle brushstrokes(轻柔的笔触) highlight its natural beauty. Additionally, I included a panda to add a playful touch (活泼的点缀)to the piece (作品).
This award holds great significance for me. It not only showcases my passion for Chinese art but also provides a platform to share my culture with all of you. Thank you for your appreciation and support. I am also extremely grateful to my family for their firm support and encouragement throughout my artistic journey. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue exploring the beauty of Chinese ink painting and sharing more of my culture through my art. This recognition fuels my passion and motivates me to keep creating.