Arietta Xylas article

Ellison Daone, 15, NY

What Inspires Kids Today?

By: Arietta Xylas

When we hear the word ‘inspiration’, many of us may have a general idea as to what it may mean. For Ellison, inspiration is something that does not have a universal definition. While words may have a textbook definition, every person makes language their own and what one may agree encompasses the concept of inspiration, another may completely disagree. Ellison states that for her, “Inspiration is this overwhelming feeling where all ideas flood my mind and they're all I can think about.” Inspiration can often consume the person who feels inspired, as they want to do all they can to foster this feeling. The beauty of it is in the fact that it can come from absolutely anywhere. “If I see an especially beautiful tree, and I suddenly have a great idea for a painting, it's all I'll be able to obsess over until I put it on paper.” 

Inspiration is often drawn from the people around us. Upon seeing their goals, and aspirations, and how they go about chasing those things, we often feel a sense of motivation ourselves. Ellison expressed that the love and admiration that she feels for her friends and family is a huge source of inspiration that not only gets her through her day but also motivates her to create something inspired by them.

“The key to being inspired is surrounding yourself with people and things that make you happy, and I'm fortunate enough to have a really supportive group of people who never fail to inspire me.”

Art is a medium that has been used by humans for thousands of years. We often regard art as a window to the soul and a reflection of the innermost thoughts of the artist. For Ellison, passion and art go hand-in-hand as she cannot remember a time when she was not trying to draw and improve upon her skill. With that, she added that her passion for art pushes her to stay motivated and keep working towards her goals. She states, “It gives me that security of knowing that it'll always be something that I love and a part of who I am.”

Personally, I feel as though this is one of the most beautiful aspects of life. The fact that people are able to find something that they enjoy and then continue to cultivate it into something that becomes a part of their identity and their lifestyle is something that is so wonderfully human. In a way, we are all conglomerates of the things we have enjoyed and loved. They become part of us and even if we were to give up on that passion, the impact it has left on us will likely always remain. 

Our world is an imperfect one and just like with anything else, there is always room to improve. Even more than what there is to change, there is a constant question of “how?” Ellison expressed that it is impossible to simply name one thing in the world that she would want to change. However she states, “I feel that art has always been a way for me to express my opinions, and also to spread awareness for things like climate change and discrimination.” This is yet another aspect of people that I find so much beauty in. The fact that we can promote change and awareness in so many different ways and mediums means that anyone, anywhere can do something to promote change. 

Whether you are an amazing artist, public speaker, influencer, or someone who prefers to stay behind the scenes, you can always find a way to voice your opinion and get your beliefs out into the world in order to promote change.

Ellison states, “I hope that I can use my skills to leave people thinking, especially about how they can better themselves and the world at large.”  People often underestimate the power of simply making someone think. Sometimes the most impactful change you can make is to simply get someone thinking about your cause. By getting more people to question what is going on around them, you are enabling others to open their minds and possibly get passionate about the same cause as you through their own curiosity.

Echoing the true sentiment of the Loukoumi Foundation, Ellison wrapped up the interview with some true words of wisdom:  I really do believe that change starts with something small, and if I can just make one person's life better, or change one tiny thing, it was and will always be worth it.