🌿 The Stories of The Grove: Jen's Story "Be brave and do everything you want to do."
I have always believed that people are a reflection of their environment; imitations and reconstructions of others. When I was in elementary school, I was a quiet, introverted girl lost in my own world. I refused to join any pop-culture communities, feared stepping onto a stage to present myself, or giving loud speeches. I think the reason was that my parents, though loving, were too busy with work to spend time with me. So, I had no role models to interact with or learn from.
At school, I realized I was naturally worse than my peers at certain skills, particularly social ones. As a 7-year-old girl who loved observing nature and reading science magazines, few people liked me. Some even stole my pens and books just for fun. I had almost no friends; during breaks, I would sit alone in a corner, watching the wind rustle the tall leaves outside.
By the time I turned 13 and entered middle school, I was nearly convinced I was inherently withdrawn and inarticulate. But everything began to change when I met my literature teacher. He was an idealist, full of passion and humanistic care. During each class, he spent part of the time encouraging us to explore the meaning of life and to benefit society rather than chase wealth or status. Laziness was the only thing he criticized. Under his guidance, there were very few bullying incidents in my class, and I began to feel safe enough to grow.
Like wild grass nourished by long-awaited rain, I started to grow wildly. At first, I mimicked others: their catchphrases, gestures, and styles, awkwardly, because I wanted acceptance. But I soon realized the key to being liked wasn’t appearance, but a well-rounded personality. I began to analyze how admirable students carried themselves and selectively imitated them.
The turning point came during my first presentation in middle school. I had such a strong desire to share my thoughts and communicate that, despite trembling fingers and a dry throat, I stood up. When everyone clapped at the end, something shifted inside me. That first time mattered. Without that moment of positive feedback, I don’t think I would’ve continued.
My interest in science and nature began so long ago that I can’t trace its origin. I believe it’s an instinct, something in my blood. I’m highly stimulated by visual information and logical processes, so I naturally gravitate toward the laws of nature. Others may respond more to music or sound, but for me, it was always the way leaves moved in the wind.
For a long time, I didn’t feel empathy in the way others did. I didn’t feel sadness for an injured person, but I understood that someone who is hurt needs help. So I performed concern. That performance was a result of observation and analysis. But the more I acted with care, the more genuine the habit became. Eventually, those habits reshaped how I think and feel. That’s why I’m grateful to every kind, remarkable person I’ve met. Without them, I wouldn’t have developed multidimensional thinking or life skills.
If I could speak to that 7-year-old girl—the one sitting alone, watching the leaves, I would tell her: Be brave and do everything you want to do. Nothing except death is truly terrible. Don’t be in a hurry to prove yourself. Don’t waste time on arguments. The teenage years are a key period for shaping your brain. Strengthen your mind first, then choose the path of your future. And if everything already happened, it doesn’t matter. That’s the hill you’ve already climbed. You are seven. Go live your different life. You don’t even need to listen to me.
To the wildflowers out there; especially the ones growing quietly in the corners: an inclusive environment can change everything. Be brave in pursuing what you desire. Even if it begins with imitation, keep going. What feels like performance today may grow into who you become tomorrow.
— Jen (twitter: @p_sung48)
A symbolic image for her journey.