One day in first grade, back in 1994, my teacher announced that my class would be participating in a coloring contest. She handed each of my classmates, and me, a large white piece of paper that featured a printed outline of a clip-art bunny. She instructed us to color the rabbit at home and bring it back to school the next day for the contest.
I began coloring the bunny right away once I was home. I drew a dress on the bunny and colored it orange, green, red and blue, and drew different floral patters on the dress. I even colored a small flower rainbow colors and cut it out and glued it on the right side of the rabbit’s forehead. All done!
I was very excited as I walked to school the next morning with my colored piece. However, my heart sank when I entered the library and saw my classmates’ entries. The other pieces were colored brown, grey and black, colors that are associated with real rabbits. I immediately thought my colored piece was in the wrong because it looked nothing like other entries. I thought there was no way I could win. I grudgingly handed in my colored piece.
Later in the day my teacher called everyone’s attention to announce the winners of the coloring contest. She announced the third and second place winners, and then everyone anxiously awaited to hear who won first place.
My teacher said, “First place goes to Lauren!”
I couldn’t believe it! I walked up to her to pick up the first place prize, a chocolate bunny, and then sat back down at my desk in awe.
My perception of the world changed since that day. I realized not everything has to fall in line with status quo or be based strictly on reality. It’s okay to be different and try something new. It’s okay to color rabbits rainbow color.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.