Why I Write: How a Trip to the San Diego Zoo Launched a Writing Career to Change the World
Author and middle-schooler Daniel Kim shares how (and why) visiting the San Diego Zoo inspired him to try changing the world with his writing.
Literature possesses immense power, yet its potential is often overlooked. It has the ability to transform minds, touch hearts, and shape society. The term "literature" encompasses not only books and novels, but also poetry, plays, and even songs. Each medium possesses its own unique power to convey messages and evoke emotions.
My own journey began at the San Diego Zoo when I was six years old, a place my parents took me to after eight hours of driving. There, I learned about the dire situation facing the last remaining northern white rhinos on Earth. Witnessing this in person left an indelible impression on me, and it became my mission to use writing as a tool for change. I felt a need to learn more about the animals and their plight and to share my knowledge with others.
In particular, the realization that only three old female northern white rhinos remained in the world, with one of them at the zoo, filled me with a sense of urgency. As a child fascinated by the mysterious world of dinosaurs, I did not want to let any other animal go extinct as the dinosaurs did. While their deaths were not able to be saved, these animals still had hope.
This spurred me to conduct extensive research and read as much as I could about what was happening to animals and what could be done to save them from extinction. As I learned more, I understood that our recklessness and greed were endangering the planet and that we needed to protect the animals to protect ourselves.
This series of research inspired me to have a vision as to what was happening and to start writing books, which have become a platform for spreading awareness about the danger to animals and how we can help. Through my writing, I have been able to inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Order Daniel Kim's The Whale Who Refused to Poo today.
My goal is to persuade others to join the cause and make the world a better place for all creatures. I firmly believe that literature has the power to create change, and I am dedicated to using it to educate people about the importance of protecting animals. It is my firm belief that a world that is not safe for our animals and cohabitants of the earth is not safe for us either.
In addition to writing books, I have also started a blog where I share my thoughts and insights about animal welfare and environmental issues. I have found that this is a great way to connect with readers and engage with them in meaningful discussions. Furthermore, I have started giving talks and presentations at schools and community events to raise awareness about animal welfare and inspire others to take action.
It has been gratifying to receive positive feedback from readers who have been inspired by my books to make changes in their own lives to help animals. This feedback has validated my efforts and encouraged me to keep writing and engaging with my readers. I know that together we can make this world a safer and better place for all of us and our animal friends.
In conclusion, my love for animals has led me on a journey to raise awareness about the importance of protecting animals and our environment. The experience at the San Diego Zoo inspired me to use writing as a tool to spread my message and inspire others to join the cause. Writing has become my means of creating a better world for all creatures. I am convinced that even small actions can make a difference, and we can all work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and our fellow creatures on this planet.
Daniel Kim attends a middle school in the Bay Area. His love of dinosaurs and disappointment at their extinction sparked his interest in endangered animals on the brink of extinction. He believes that creating a world that is good for animals also means a better world for humans. In his free time, Daniel enjoys reading, playing tennis, and listening to music. You can find him blogging on his site, commonplanet.org.
