Risha loved school. However, there was one class Risha worried about more than any other — art. She didn’t know why she just wasn’t any good at drawing, painting, or cutting.

Ms. Clay, the art teacher, stood at the front of the room. “Class, next Friday our school is going to have an art competition.” she announced. Ms. Clay was a great teacher, and Risha liked her a lot. But this announcement made Risha nervous. “Everyone in the school will create a piece of artwork to show in the library. You can use the different types of artwork we have been studying.” Ms. Clay was quite excited when she spoke while Risha found herself sinking lower in her chair.

Risha had the whole weekend to work on her project, but she could not think of anything to do. On Monday, Risha felt frightened, so after school Risha asked Ms. Clay if she could write an art paper instead of doing an art project.

“I understand this project scared you, Risha,” Ms. Clay said. “Just remember, you can create any kind of art you want.” Ms. Clay smiled at her. “Art is a person’s way of expressing his or her feelings — it isn’t always painting, drawing, or cutting. I know you will think of something very creative, and I can’t wait to see it.”

When Risha arrived home, she took out a piece of paper and a pencil. She remembered Ms. Clay’s words. “Art is a person’s way of expressing his or her feelings.” Risha wrote the word “terrified” on her paper. She crumpled (弄皱) the paper and threw it to the side of her desk.