Winning Google Doodle By Student Conveys How We All Need Self-Care & Support
Image via Google
Have you ever felt helpless yet hesitant to turn to others for comfort?
It’s a universal struggle that’s become more glaring in the face of these turbulent times. High-schooler Sophie Araque-Liu, however, realizes that relying on others is also a form of self-love and care—a revelation that might take grownups several years to understand.
The Martin County High School student’s drawing, depicting her embracing her mother as a letter ‘O’ in the Google logo, has been crowned by the tech giant as the winning Doodle for Google illustration for 2022. Among this year’s submissions was an artwork by 10-year-old Alithia Haven Ramirez, who was one of the victims of the Uvalde school shooting.
The Google Doodle theme for the year is “I care for myself by…,” to which, Araque-Liu responded:
“I care for myself by accepting others’ care for me. Often, I struggle to shoulder a burden on my own, and forget that I have so many people, like my mom, who care about me and want to help me. Opening up and letting others support me not only relieves my stress—it also lets me tackle things I could never do on my own.”
The Florida student added that her mother helped her get through her loneliness and isolation during the lockdown by offering her love, support, and encouragement. The Doodle, entitled Not Alone, urges those in emotional need to remember that they, too, have a support system they can depend on.
“I want other people to know that you are also valuable, and you are worth something too, just like anyone else,” the student shares later. She got her start in art from idly doodling in her notebooks to pass time in class, and it has since grown into one of her loves.
Araque-Liu’s artwork has been chosen to live on the Google homepage for one day. In addition to having her work seen by millions, she has also won a US$30,000 college scholarship for herself, along with a US$50,000 technology package for her school.
The student first heard that she was the winner from her classmates, who made the announcement at a surprise assembly, reports USA Today.
“It’s absolutely insane,” said Araque-Liu. “It’s bonkers.”
Ahead, peer at more inspiring Google Doodle illustrations by this year’s national finalists.
Dreaming of My Bright Future
by Edison Lee, Maryland (Grades K-3 finalist)
Family Will Always Care for You
by Anamirel Campos, Delaware (Grades 4–5 finalist)
My Self Love
by Faridah Ismalia, Pennsylvania (Grades 6–7 finalist)
The Lifecycle of Health
by Grace Dai, Missouri (Grades 8–9 finalist)
