When I moved to New York, I was driven to leave a lasting mark on the world. I wasn’t sure what form that would take, but I immersed myself in learning new skills and meeting people from diverse backgrounds, including various religions, atheists, and ethnic groups. My vlog, Paint the Town Red, became a platform for connecting with and learning from this rich tapestry of experiences.
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible, Proverbs, speaks about the value of learning from others. This principle guided me as I sought to absorb as much wisdom as possible from those around me.
I remember a childhood moment when my father was working on a concrete project for our family home. He had my siblings and me press our feet into the wet concrete, intending to capture our footprints as a record of our growth. It was more than just a keepsake; it felt like we were leaving a lasting mark on that slab. This simple yet profound act of creating something enduring resonated deeply with me and left a lasting impression.
Similarly, writing Ratnapped represents my effort to leave a mark. While I cannot predict the book’s success, I am sure that crafting a story is my way of creating something that can endure. I hope that Ratnapped reaches as many children as possible, inspiring them and leaving a positive imprint on their lives.