Page 16 - District 20-K1 Kings & Queens SUMMER-JUNE EDITION 2022

DISTRICT 20-K1

PDG ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

“THE WORLD IS FULL OF PEOPLE WE LOOK UP TO AND ADMIRE BECAUSE OF THEIR
COURAGE, SERVICE OR STATUS IN THE COMMUNITY OR NATION. WHAT PERSON, PRESENT
OR PAST DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?”
by Omega Leo Nataliey Draper
Springfield Leos Club
20-K1 PDG LEO ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Not all who wander are lost.” This is one of my favorite quotes written
by J.R.R. Tolkien who I deeply admire for his “world-building” ability to create
fantasy literature that captivates readers from beginning to end. As a person who
finds it hard to enjoy fiction books, J.R.R. Tolkien is the ‘father’ of modern
fantasy who keeps his books immersive and believable. He uses geography,
history, calendars, people, genealogies and even created his own language by
taking bits and mixing some old English, Welsh and Finnish. He also created his
own alphabet to write this language. Tolkien always puts maps in the books
which help to make the fantasy world that much more realistic. His use of Elfish languages and
constant references to other stories keep the reader entertained and wanting to read more and more to
make a deeper connection with the story.
As you read more of Tolkien’s work you begin to appreciate the depth and concept of his
stories, which is why The Lord of the Rings was voted the nation’s favorite book by BBC and the book
of the Millennium by Amazon. Not only was Tolkien a literature genius but he was a significant
influence on me and some modern day authors. The subjects of English and Literature were never
something that truly piqued my interest. However, Tolkien’s wordplay influenced me to pick up
journaling as a hobby. Tolkien sets a standard that normalized not allowing yourself to be confined by a
standard on how to create a story or how to ‘fit in’ a certain genre. His influence allowed our minds,
personal knowledge, history and culture to give writing life and “go beyond the realm”.
Often, I have thought about starting to create stories but for now, his influence allows me to
have a new love for the dictionary and creating poetry. I can expand my vocabulary while letting my
creativity grow and take over my mind to create poems that don’t necessarily have to be realistic. My
poems are beginnings which may lead into full stories in the future. I love and appreciate the world of
fiction because there is almost no limit with its complexity and consistency.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s literature sparked a light in my mind but his quotes especially sparked a fire in
my heart and the way I create my goals. Familiar quotes include “All that glitters is not gold…” But
many people do not know that he is the author I believe that he creates some of the most meaningful,
deep, and sometimes emotional quotes that can get you through any hardship or a rough patch. Tolkien
has a way with words and some of his famous quotes such as “I will not say do not weep for not all
tears are an evil” or “Never laugh at life’s dragons” can leave you either inspired or it may be a quote
that does not pertain to you now but will make sense to you later. I have printed and framed many of
his quotes to hang around my room to remind myself that fantasy can be used to escape reality.
However, wise words can give you the extra push and bravery to face reality head on.