What we believe we can become is often shaped by the world we see around us.
This is especially true for young children who dream of becoming everything fromastronautsto futureworld leaders.
And its one of the reasons why representation matters so much.
I am working on my big year-end project, which is a biography, the heartwarming messagereads.
I did some online research and found your website.
I would like to ask if I could interview you.
Many commenters were just as moved by the email as Shen was.
Teary eyed here,saidone Twitter user.
Its pretty amazing to witness that children are inspired and motivated to achieve as much as you have done.
Other readers were reminded of their own experiences with young children growing up.
And its quite possible that she has even gone on to inspire hundreds more.
This third-grader’s email to an Asian American marine biologist perfectly illustrates why representation matters so much.
Said yes so fast!!!
And with so many exclamation points!
My dad gave me a pat on the back
Thank you!
This might be the first email of this kind Ive relieved, so it feels particularly special!
Several other Twitter users also shared how moved they were by the heartwarming email.
As we walked out, my daughter said, I didnt know boys could be doctors, too.
Many of that pediatricians girl patients became doctors, my daughter included.
They sent a lovely letter back.
A few years later we met the man who replied who was now a curator at the Brisbane museum.
We are still friends.
AtASP (@amandama51)January 21, 2022
This is amazing on so many fronts!
My 6th grader has not waivered from wanting to be a marine biologist since he was a toddler.
I wish I thought of doing something like this for him what a great idea this 3rd grader had!
Palak Dwivedi (@pal_dwi)January 20, 2022
This is the coolest thing!
Representation matters and it is awesome this young person did the research and you were there to be found.
Cant wait to hear about the interview.
