By Nadia Barnard, 16 When I was in fourth grade, my teacher would teach my class how to crochet every Friday. We would do simple chains or make scarves and flowers out of colorful yarn. After that year, I forgot it entirely until the summer of 6th grade. I went to my grandparent’s house in a different state and asked my grandma to re-teach me how to crochet. This time, it stuck. I started out with very badly made washcloths and scarves, but I got better over time. I made my first blanket that summer. It didn’t look very good; the sides weren’t even and I made the mistake of using different stitches throughout the blanket. However, I learned from my mistakes and used them to better my next blanket. Now, I’m working on my 5th and 6th blankets. It does take a long time to make a blanket for me, which is why I haven’t made very many, but I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do so. When we give children resources to be creative, they’ll likely use them to create something beautiful. Even if your art doesn’t look like how you wanted it to be in the beginning, it’s still art and it’s still worth it. Now, my blankets go to newborn babies or older members of my family. It feels good to create something that will be used and appreciated by someone else. It takes a lot of effort and time to create art, and it should all be recognized and celebrated. There are also a lot of bad things going on currently, and art can be used to center ourselves and find peace. Stay in touch by receiving our monthly email with new content on Youth Be Heard: