2016 – Most Philosophical 3rd Grader in America

Nya S. Herring, California.

     “The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” Said Henry David Thoreau. The world is an empty canvas until someone imagines something different and they bring it to life. Imagination is the paint that goes on the canvas and creates masterpieces. Imagination has had the greatest impact on society. For example, Walt Disney imagined Disneyland and some of the world’s most iconic characters, like Mickey Mouse, Dumbo and Bambi. His imagination brought Mary Poppins to the screen and he animated classic princesses like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. Today’s Disney Imagineers have expanded his legacy to new and modern day Disney Princesses, like Tiana who is a leader with a dream. Mirada, the most athletic Disney princess. And, Ana a fearless princess. These princesses have become modern heroes who have influenced a whole generation of young women to be heros and not followers. Girls today can imagine themselves as anything and change society.

     Tiana is the first African American Disney princess. She is a leader. When Prince Naveen was sitting around helpless, it was tiana who made a raft and when they were hungry she was the one who used her cooking skills to make food for everyone. Tiana was a dreamer, she wanted a restaurant and to get it she had to work very hard every single day. It was her dream of this restaurant that kept her motivated.

     Mirada had her own mind. When her mother gave her Princess rules, Mirada did not follow them, she created her own Princess rule book by being herself. She was willing to fight for herself and for her family, even fighting a bear. She showed courage by not getting married, but instead by making peace with her mother.

     Ana is funny, fearless, and self-sacrificing. She talks to most “junk” in the movie. She doesn’t back down even when the challenge is larger than her, taking on a giant snowman, and going out in the cold to find her sister. She was willing to save her sister with her own life.

     Seeing these examples of young women on screen motivates us to work and never give up. Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” The Disney imagination has traveled the world and inspired young girls to dream bigger and achieve their goals. These girls grow up and become smart, inspired young women who change the rules like Mirada, who become leaders like Tiana and who don’t back down from challenges like Ana. These women go on to change society everyday all across the world. “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. Dreams are forever.” Walt Disney.

 

 

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