| This is the 47th story of Our Life Logs |
I have always found it amazing how quickly someone’s opinion of you can change once they see you. For example, maybe someone mentions their favorite basketball player and all the stats that the athlete has accumulated. But the second you find out that the player is in a wheelchair, you become skeptical. Or, maybe it is a comedian that you love, but the moment you realize they are a republican, you lose interest. I feel many people think the same about me. People will hear about me, read my writing, or see a clothing piece I designed, and talk about how much they love all of it. Then, when they realize I am a twelve-year-old girl, they stop taking me seriously.
I’ve lived in Monroe, Ohio my whole life with my parents and my two sisters. My younger sisters and I love to use our imaginations. We are always looking for new things to create together. We love to read and watch movies, and when inspiration strikes us, we create our own. I especially love writing stories. One day, I would like to try to become a full-time author of books.
I am always searching for new things that will teach me something new. I love watching documentaries about places and things I haven’t had the chance to encounter yet. In school, I am one of the exemplary students. I never slack, and always give the maximum effort. My parents have taught me the importance of education. I want to go to a good college one day, and I know the best way to get there is to work hard. I am not sure what I want to do, maybe be a writer, or a lawyer. Regardless, I am ready for the challenge because I am excited for the opportunities beyond whatever degree I choose.
I also like building things as an outlet for my creativity. My sisters and I like building cities and buildings in Minecraft. More importantly though, I like coming up with inventions. One of my best inventions was chosen to be featured in the National Invention Convention in Washington, DC in 2017. It was an all-natural bug spray called “Pure-Repel.” Out of 7,500 other students with inventions in Ohio, only 75 were invited to the convention, so I felt very proud of my accomplishment. Inspiration is everywhere, so I’m always coming up with new ideas to work on developing.
A few years ago, I started my own blog, Life’s a Coaster, as an outlet for my creativity and to show people my point of view. I know that it may seem strange to ask how someone older can identify with the thoughts of a preteen, but I think it is possible for adults to connect with kids. It can be a bright light to an individual who has turned cynical with age. Each of us may think differently, but we each have common bonds that hold us together. It is that sense of community that brings people to my blog. I want people to see beyond race, gender, and age so that they can see the equality of all people.
Though I’m only 12, I feel that I’ve cultivated a lot of life lessons from my parents, my teachers, and my own experiences. I feel that it’s important to develop your sense of self based on those lessons. Knowing myself and what I’m capable of is what makes me strong. I never slack, and always give the maximum effort. All I can do day to day is know my weaknesses, learn from them, and stay confident. With so many more years ahead of me, I’m excited to make my life experience as rich as possible.
Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once she grows up.” He was right. I don’t want to lose who I am in the process of getting older. I have no interest in being cynical or lazy. All I can do is be myself. All I can do is not place too much weight on how I see someone. I will grow up to be the best version of me, but until then, I am just going to enjoy the ride.
This is the story of Mara Bell
Mara lives in Monroe, Ohio but her family is thinking of moving to Washington, DC to be closer to their extended family living there. Despite only being 12, she looks at life in a way that shows she is wise beyond her years. Mara is an extraordinary, intelligent girl with a bright future ahead of her. She loves to create by any means she can think of. She likes to make videos, create stories, build inventions, and write on her blog. Her favorite book series include The Harry Potter Series, Percy Jackson & The Olympians, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Mara aspires to either go to Harvard to become a lawyer or become a famous author someday. Only time will tell where her life will lead her.
This story first touched our hearts on July 22, 2017.
| Writer: Kristen Petronio | Editor: Colleen Walker |
