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"47th Street" by Aarna Veera. I wrote 47th street based on some of my personal experiences and emotions, and also on just things I see around me everyday as a teenager. This song is about a girl who has hope about being with another person, and she knows there are so many signs that makes what she wants hard to get. But, she doesn't want to give up on that person, and this shows how human emotion can be a powerful force, and how we should really fight for what we want, and never give up hope, no matter how impossible things can seem.

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"Soaring Hope" by Keira Wong. In the resilience of a seagull with a missing foot, I find a profound reminder that even in the midst of loss, life soars. The backdrop of soaring seagulls symbolizes the collective strength that arises when we support and lift each other up. In every flight, there is hope – a testament that challenges can be overcome and that, despite setbacks, we can still soar together.

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"Where Dreams Meet Reality" by Alicia Hough. In my painting, I have depicted a scene of an ordinary student, struggling to keep up with school, drained and broken. However, in her escape from reality, she dreams of achieving her secret longing: To graduate as an art major. In her journey, she must overcome society’s standards and follow her heart. And that girl is me. I want to become an artist and inspire others with my creations and the stories behind my artworks. With my determined efforts and my pure passion, I’m hopeful that I can make this dream become reality one day.

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Where Dreams meet Reality- Alicia 2023 Reflections - Alicia Hough.jpg

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Yoomin Bae "Realm of Reality" Throughout life, we all want to give up. Life will throw things unexpectedly. There will be twists with long, winding paths. We feel as if we're drowning. My writing is an exploration of hope, and a reflection of my unwavering belief that everyones lives can become meaningful even in the face of adversity. I am hopeful because I want to see what life holds for me. I want to be able to tell my story. I am hopeful as I believe that there will always be new doors and opportunities opening itself to me every second of the day.

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"For One Another" by Priscilla Kim. The photo captures Peninsula students at the PV Pen football game, singing the Star-Spangled Banner. To answer the theme, the image states, “I am hopeful because I have a community”. There’s great power in having a supportive group of people surrounding you, which is greatly exemplified by the Panther Family. The moment frames the highest feeling of unity- everyone singing the National Anthem together. Even when the odds were against them, the Panthers proudly represented their school. Their boundless love and support for the team empowered them with hope that they could put their all out on the field.

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"Emerging Sparks" by Elliot Dokko. I am hopeful because: like this sculpture opening up its heart, I have been seeing more and more people open up their hearts through acts of inclusivity and vulnerability. This generation is advancing every day to become more aware and inclusive of others. The light emerging from the heart of this sculpture represents sparks flying to the outside and spreading the flame.

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Avery Yu - "The Light After Darkness" For my piece, I wrote about walking through rain as a metaphor of enduring hardships. Similar to the rain, challenges fall upon you without warning. When the rain starts, people open up their umbrellas, making the rain barely noticeable. However, I have no umbrella and thus endure the dreary darkness alone. I can only rely on myself, as it's hard for others to understand what’s happening. After a while, the rain ceases. Although the rainbow doesn’t come immediately, everything becomes brighter - representing hope. I hold tightly onto hope because I know that darkness doesn’t last forever.

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"Bridge of Faith" by Nathan Soo Chang. My piece shows a hands holding to form a bridge as people slowly travel up it. It relates to the theme because it expresses the reasons to be hopeful and the importance of having faith. To persevere. I wanted to show that everybody is struggling whether you're old or young. We all face problems that can seem monumental. But with every problem, there's a solution. It shows that with the help of others and the constant belief that you can do it, the hope that you can overcome it, you'll rise triumphant.

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"In the Palm of Her Hand" by Madison J. Gambin. Kept up by late-night anxiety, I called my grandmother and she told me a story. One day, her mother showed her hand, calloused from years working as a seamstress. "I love you so much," my great-grandmother said, "I would put you in the palm of my hand and protect you forever." My grandmother would do the same for me. My painting depicts a rough, wrinkled hand gently holding up a girl. The grayscale evokes an old photograph, like my grandmother's memory. I am hopeful because no matter what the future holds, my grandma will love and support me.

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In the Palm of Her Hand - Madison Gambin.jpg

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"HOPEFUL FOR LOVE" by Madysen Fleck. I am hopeful because of Love. Spreading Love around is the best way to make friends and our world a Happy place. I hate when people are sad and blue. I wish everyone Love

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Madysen Fleck LOVE - Stephanie Fleck.jpg

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“I am Hopeful Because…”

That’s the theme for the 2023-24 Reflections Art Program, which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education.

Thank you to our talented Panthers for sharing their gifts with our community.

Please click on the photo in each entry to access the full file.

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"Light in the Darkness" by Alyssa Shavely. I am hopeful because no matter how broken the world becomes, there will always be good souls who will be able to help us put it back together. The lights shining bright in the darkness of the field represent this concept. Kind, selfless people will always be there to help illuminate the path forward. These lights will outshine the darkness without fail. No matter where you go, you’ll be able to find someone willing to go out of their way for a stranger. That is what gives me hope and inspires me to be one of those lights.

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Light in the Darkness - Alyssa Shavely.jpg

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"Development" by Jaewon Jang. My artwork shows the reason why I am hopeful by showing the growth of plant from a sprout to the tree. This plant symbolizes me, and garbages represent all the challenges that I faced as an imigrant who moved to the USA last year. The three circles represent past, present, and future. It shows how I developed as a person, and how I will develop in future. Because I believe and hopeful in my development that led me through present time and will lead me to the future that I wished, this artwork show the reason why I am hopeful.

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"Hopeful For What Tomorrow Brings" by Elsie Adams. I took this picture of the sun setting at the Palos Verdes Beach Club. This breathtaking sunset brings me peace and clarity, and I feel hopeful for what adventures tomorrow will bring.

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Hopeful for What Tomorrow Brings - E. Adams.jpg

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"San Diego sunrise by Gen Ogami. Sunrise is something that we take for granted every day. The light floods in and gives us many opportunities throughout the course of the day. Every day is a blank slate, and it is up to us to paint it.

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"I Had To Leave, Mama" by Juliana Bracero. I am hopeful because I left my mom. She would say she loved me but then she would treat me like I wasn’t her daughter. She would make me think the world was small. But I had to leave her to be hopeful about who I can become in this never ending universe.

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"Rocks" by Michelle Batbayar, Instrument: Piano (MuseScore 4). My piece is about overcoming "rocks" in life, from kicking pebbles down the sidewalk to climbing huge boulders that have blocked me from my goals, hoping that there will be better times ahead. When I felt overwhelmed with the busy/stressful aspects of my life, I'd often calm my thoughts by playing the piano, letting the music guide me. The piece's slow, walk-like pacing and uncertain tones exemplify the notion of moving forward, no matter what. The shifts from tense to resolved chords represent the highs and lows I've experienced, ending on a more positive/hopeful note.

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"Your Own Path" by Phoebe Kwon. I am hopeful because I have my own distinctive path in life, just like everyone else. Born with unique creases in our palm, each individual is special. In my painting, they represent people’s path in life. As humans, we each have life goals, ambitions and different purposes that we pursue. Although it’s easy to get caught up focusing on others success, there is no correct way to live the brief time you have here. Anything is possible. I believe everyone should have hope for their own future because you never know what life has in store for you.

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"Cleaning the Ocean" by Brian Hong. My submission is a drawing of a diver collecting trash while observing several manatees. I primarily used a set of drawing pencils and an eraser, along with a piece of cloth. It relates to the theme of “I am hopeful because…” by showing the viewer that we can clean our oceans and keep our planet healthy.

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Priscilla Kim. Song: “Always” by Daniel Caesar. The film answers the theme, claiming “I am hopeful because I am determined”. The video displays two figure skater who had quit their sport, soon after graduating high school. After realizing that skating was their source of joy and freedom, they worked hard to get back to their former skating ability. The choreography begins with slow, simple movements, representing the smaller steps it takes to improve. As the video progresses, so do their skills and tricks. It is hard to be optimistic and hopeful to regain something that is lost, but with determination, a desire can become a reality.

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"My Dear Hope" by Crystal Qinghua. When given the theme of hope, I created this personal piece which represents my ardent desire to express my gratitude for the people who are always supporting me through both joy and sadness. By choosing such an illuminating color for the faces of my parents, I am trying to show how my hope takes the forms of the people whom I love and how they guide me through times of despair caused by anxiety, which is represented by the blue and gloomy background. Overall, this piece is illustrating how hopeful children feel from the supports of family and friends.

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Eva delaCruz "Rebirth" The trellis in my garden fell down and it killed the plants growing on it. Although I was devastated, I got the chance to watch it slowly regrow, overtaking the dead plants from the bottom up. It reminded me to be hopeful because the cycle of life will always lead away from death.

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"Bright Idea" by Jinu Nam (15 by 10 by 20 sculpture). No matter how hard everything seems people will always have ideas and thoughts, I am hopeful because we will never stop thinking of bright new ideas.

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"Blossoms of Peace" by Kalee Shapiro. I am hopeful because when conflict arises, peace will eventually bloom. I created this piece to support those facing their own struggles, both of everyday issues and of the greatest gravity. This message is as prevalent as ever with the global conflicts that have occurred and are ongoing. Everyone deserves peace in their life, and I hope that it can sprout through the rubble and bring about a brighter day for everyone.

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"My Hopeful Letter" by Elise I. Lee. My work is a letter to society and students regarding the education systems, and how we often lose ourselves within it and degrade our health. My piece relates to the theme since I often provide clear desires for my hope for the issue to improve, as well as offer solutions to the problem.

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Yoomin Bae "Portals of Possibilities" My painting reflects hope in the face of life's opportunities & open doors. It portrays an abstract landscape where doors of all sizes and shapes stand ajar, with promise. Each door represents a possibility. An avenue to fulfillment. There are multiple options, symbolizing the myriad of paths that life offers. I wanted to express that hope is a force that urges us to explore, to dream, and to seize opportunities. The outcomes in our life might be positive, negative, or nothing may come out of it. There will always be new doors waiting. Waiting for us to turn the doorknob.

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Portals of Possibilities - Yoomin Bae.jpg

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Madison Vieira

I am hopeful because I know I CAN conquer.

I work very hard. I have tried and failed. Even though I have failures, I still keep trying even I have fallen down and tried to get up. Sometimes, I want to give up, but giving up would mean failing and I do not want to fail. I know that I am going to do it. I am hopeful because I will succeed. I have been often told that "Those who say they can and those who say they can't are both usually right. " I will keep telling myself that I can. I will conquer.

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I am Hopeful Because… - Madison Vieira.pdf

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Justin Baek "The Odyssey" My Reflections entry is a work of music that represents the story of the Odyssey. The overall theme of the Odyssey is Odysseus's hope to journey home as he navigates his crew through many challenges and obstacles. This piece is made to represent Odysseus's hope of returning home throughout his 10 year voyage. My music is divided into 9 sections, each showcasing a small encounter on Odysseus’s voyage.

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Isaac Kim "The Hope for Peace" My work is the personification of peace in the world, which I am hopeful for, especially during these war-torn times.

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"Escaping Through the Stories" by Tayla Jun. This visual arts piece represents using a book to escape from reality. Often, during stressful times picking up a novel can bring comfort, as it distracts you from the pressures of life. Through these stories people are able to connect with the diverse characters and find themes they can relate to. It brings a hope that they are not alone in this world and that things will eventually become better.

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"Keeping light in the dark" by Hyein Jung. I am hopeful because I believe there are people keeping the light in t.e darkest moments. Hands holding a hot melting candle to protect the candlelight represent sacrifices and efforts of people keeping our society bright and giving us hope during our darkest moments. The butterfly represents hope, and the trees symbolize life and joy which light brings us. The light symbolizes hope and warmth. When the world seems dark, I can always find hope from people who show kindness towards me. I believe there is hope because of the dedication and efforts of those who put others in front.

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"Art makes the world turn" by Audrey Sheng. Ever since the world began art has been a crucial part of our history. It has shaped our culture and us, as people. It has shaped our world as we know it and is still changing it now. My artwork represents this- the constant creating of art as our world turns. Art creates a window into our souls, letting us express our deepest feelings and hopes. It provides us a way to hope freely, allowing us to be hopeful even in the darkest of times.

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Avery Yu - "Aspiration" Through my piece, I convey the message that I am hopeful because I am not alone. The piece starts off quietly in a minor key. Soon, it becomes louder and several chords help modulate the voice to major. The leading voice is no longer quiet; instead, it is played with conviction and tone. This modulation from minor to major shows how the person's viewpoint of the world has changed. In the end, more voices join the melody, showing that the hopeful mood of one person is able to bring joy to others.

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Chloe Ng "Unwavering Strength" The photograph captures a stack of cups arranged within a clear glass jar. The image shows resilience when faced with adversity. The glass jar symbolizes our solid foundation, while the cups represent our unwavering strength. Despite the challenges of our world, I hope that, just like the cups, we could bend but will never break, endure and overcome all challenges.

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"Flower of Hope" by Damon He. Everyday, we face problems and conflicts. Whether it’s large scale world wide or just personal individual ones, it’s important to remain hopeful and find comfort in faith and love.

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"Pandora's Box" by Avery Yu. My artwork is a modern interpretation of Pandora’s Box. In the tale, Pandora opens a box of evil spirit because of her curiosity. She quickly shut the box upon discovering its contents, trapping the spirit of Hope inside. In my drawing, I have found the box that contains Hope, and I hold onto it tightly. I am surrounded by swirls of darkness that depict some of the many problems today. However, the box’s glow encompasses the darkness around it. Thus, I stay hopeful because I know that hope is the only thing that can counter darkness.

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In my piece, I photographed a sea turtle swimming freely in the ocean. When turtles are born, they’re left to make their way to the ocean without protection or guidance. This makes their survival rates extremely low; 1 in 10000. However, there are still millions of sea turtles. When making their way to the water, they are driven by determination. Similarly, I always strive towards my goal with resolution. No matter how impossible the task may seem, I know hard work will allow you to achieve your goal. Thus, I am hopeful because I believe in myself.

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Liam Norris - "Swimming Duck" I am hopeful because I exist within an ocean of life and beauty that has no horizon. Like the duck in this photo, we are all small pieces of a vast, deep expanse that encompasses both each of us individually and all of us as a collective.

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Swimming Duck (Tmax 400) - Liam Norris.jpg

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"Time Will Tell" by Caroline McKeel. I chose to write about people's relationship with the Earth because of how disconnected from it we truly are. More often than not I find myself hoping we could live life freely, rather than conforming to what we are told by the "influencers" we idolize. I like to think the Earth holds the memories and lessons that technology does not, and I look forward to the day that we lead with the light that comes from our soul, not a screen.

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I like to listen to music, especially K-pop. I feel very happy when I listen to music. For me, I think music is hopeful.

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Annabell Kim - "I hope for the future is full of dogs" Statement : My favorite dog is my fur baby Max. He's my best friend.