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“I want to be known for the art I made, for my words and my voice, not for the mark some man left on me.”
― Benjamin Stevenson, Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect

“Just because you can survive without someone doesn't mean they're unwanted.”
― Margaret Owen, Little Thieves

“I want to get good grades. Graduate. Get a job in whichever field my strengths lie."
His brows furrow, like he doesn't quite believe me. "Not what you're passionate about?" he asks delicately.
I lift my chin. "I'm passionate about being good at things." There's a defensive edge in my voice, and Mr. Chen must hear it. He drops the subject.
"Well, all right then. I suppose I should let you go to lunch..."
"Thanks, Mr. Chen."
But as I turn to leave, he adds, very quietly, "You're still a kid, you know."
I falter. "what?"
His eyes are kind, almost sad when he looks at me. "Even if it doesn't feel that way now, you're still only a kid." He shakes his head. "you're too young to be this hardened by the world. You should be free to dream. To hope.”
― Ann Liang, If You Could See the Sun

“Sometimes I forget that in the bigger scheme of things, it's okay to not be the best at everything. To be surrounded by people who can solve problems you can't, who are talented in different ways, who will go on to change the world.”
― Ann Liang, I Am Not Jessica Chen