Small words of encouragement can mean a huge inspiration to someone.

Even when you thought you lost all the hopes and you feel denied by the whole world, you may encounter a small act of appreciation that makes you feel acknowledged.

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I’ve always wanted to be a cartoonist growing up in Korea but even at a young age, I realized that my pursuing let down my parents’, teachers’ and the society’s expectation. I would hide in my closet to draw cartoons and frantically hide my sketchbooks when my mom came in. I firmly believed drawing was a bad act. My identity as an artist had been always denied and I started to deny myself. Then, one day, I met an art teacher in my high school that changed my life. He gave me something very very special, which I’ve never received before, and that was the words of encouragement. His encouragement was more than just recognizing my talents. He acknowledged who I was, and that changed my life.

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Often times, not a lot is needed to change someone’s life. Words of encouragement, no matter how trivial it seems, can empower someone. I hope this film motivates audiences to acknowledge someone who has been denied and discouraged. You may see how such a small act of kindness can give someone strength to keep going.

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~Jerry Suh