Arantza Peña Popo, a Georgia-based high school senior, is the winner of this year’s “Doodle for Google” contest. The theme for the contest this year was — “When I grow up, I hope…”
Her winning Doodle is called “Once you get it, give it back,” which she drew in honor of her mom. In Arantza’s Doodle, there is a framed picture of her mother carrying Arantza as a baby ─ inspired by a real picture in her house of her mom holding her sister. Below the picture is Arantza, caring for her mom when she’s older in the future.
“When I grow up, I hope to care for my mom as much as she cared for me my entire life,” she said. “My mom has done so much for me and sacrificed a lot.”
You can see Arantza’s thoughtful art on Google’s home page today.
From www.google.com/… -
Arantza started drawing when she was three years old and wants to publish alternative graphic novels and comics in the future. She graduated as valedictorian of Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County, Georgia, and will be attending the University of Southern California in the Fall.
Arantza, besides having her Doodle featured at the Google main page, will receive $30,000 toward a college scholarship and her school, Arabia Mountain High School (where she was recently named valedictorian), will receive a $50,000 technology package.
Arantza’s entry was judged the best from among 222,000 other entries submitted by students from all around the country. We can see why.
Jimmy Fallon, one of the judges, announced the winner on the "The Tonight Show" and had Arantza on the show to chat about her winning Doodle.
What a terrific kid and what wonderful thoughts and attitude. Just a few days ago in a diary about Indigenous People, we were bemoaning the loss of traditions and respect for elders and ancestors; this heartwarming ray of sunshine puts an end to that dreary feeling.
Bravo!
The thought “Once you get it, give it back” applies beyond giving back to parents. It is a theme we liberals are all too familiar with — about giving back to society, about lifting others after you have climbed the ladder. Which is quite the opposite of the conservative attitude — I got mine, screw you.
What do you think? How do you feel about your parents? And vice versa? Do you have to take care of them? Do your children help in your care?