The Faded Star and The Importance of Being a Kid

Years after they moved away, the faded metal star stayed. It had hung above their shed and watched over us as we played, as we ran, as we laughed, as we cried. We were not afraid to make mistakes; we imagined bold and crazy new things.

It hangs still today. The times have changed, but the star stays ever-present, hanging just in sight.

It shines down on me - even now, after all these years. I can’t turn back time; I can’t make the star bright and new again. But when I look up at it, I am a child again. I am learning everything new for the first time.

I am playing, I am running, I am laughing, I am crying.

The faded star hanging on that old shed is a resisting reminder of the importance of staying a child on the inside even as we grow up on the outside.

When you go to create, create for the child inside. Have fun. Creativity should be something that makes you feel like you are looking at that bright star. Find your inner child and unleash them. Let those bold and crazy ideas run free just like you did when you were young.

Don’t be afraid to play, to run, to laugh, to cry.

By: Lindey Helwagen

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Year: Junior

Major: Business Economics & Sustainability, Entrepreneurship Minor

Keywords: Impact, Statement, Positivity

Fun Fact: I once broke both of my arms in the same month but from different things.