Maria Al Shehhi defends the environment on “communication platforms”

Despite going through a long treatment journey, which began when she was born with a health syndrome, the Emirati child, Maria Salem Al Shehhi, succeeded in presenting distinctive environmental content through her accounts on social media, which aroused the interest of many, thanks to her self-confidence and her ability to make a positive impact on the behavior of others.

The child (Maria) told Emirates Al-Youm that health challenges were not an obstacle to discovering herself, but rather prompted her to search for a space through which she could express her feelings and abilities, noting that she loves drawing very much, and it is her favorite hobby, and through it she expresses herself and feels comfortable.

Maria, who is 10 years old and is studying in the fifth grade, explained that her beginnings with drawing were not easy, noting that her fist posed a challenge at the beginning, but she insisted on continuing, pointing out that she felt difficulty at the beginning of practicing drawing, because of her fist, but with time she developed greatly, and learned how to help herself to be like her peers, so she learned on her own through continuous training and trying.

She added that she tends to draw anime characters from the series “Attack on Titan,” specifically the character “Mikasa,” because she is strong and brave, and she feels like she resembles her.

Regarding her entry into the world of content creation, she explained that the idea came with the support of her mother: “My mother encouraged me to be a content maker, and she always told me that creativity knows no limits, and that I must overcome any challenges that may face me, or face any child who thinks about being a content maker.”

She added: “My presence on social media came with the support of my family, my school, and the entities that encouraged me, and when I started publishing, I found great love and encouragement from people, and this made me continue and develop myself further.”

Through her social media accounts, Maria provides environmental educational content in English, in addition to showcasing her artistic works.

She believes that her interest in publishing this type of content stems from her conviction in the importance of environmental awareness since her childhood.

She confirmed that the positive interaction she received from followers, and from writers and celebrities, constituted an additional incentive for her to continue: “People love the content that I present and encourage me, and this makes me feel responsible for the message that I present.”

Regarding her future ambitions, she said: “I hope to become a fashion designer in the future, and highlight the Emirati heritage dress in the most beautiful way, with bright shapes and colors, and at the same time I want to be a successful content creator, highlighting my country, and expressing the positive citizen.”

Maria sent a message to the children that nothing is impossible for a child in the Emirates, and courage is the most important characteristic for any child thinking about being a content creator, and with experience, any child will be able to achieve any goal he wants.

Maria Al Shehhi’s mother said that since her childhood, her daughter had tended to appear and express herself in front of the camera, explaining that “there are children who are afraid to appear in front of the camera, but (Maria) from a young age used to hold the phone, photograph and speak with confidence, and at that moment I realized that my daughter was able to prove herself as a content creator.”

She added that the long course of treatment did not leave a negative impact on her daughter’s psychological state, explaining that the treatment journey began at birth, and is still continuing, as Maria spent three months in a hospital in Dubai, before completing her treatment in Korea, stressing that her daughter deals with her reality with acceptance and reassurance, and enjoys a clear reconciliation with herself.

She pointed out that in her childhood, Maria was exposed to a bullying situation on the school bus, but the matter was dealt with quickly and decisively. She said: “As soon as we informed the school administration, the problem was resolved immediately, and the idea that bullying is unacceptable was consolidated among the students. Today, Maria does not face any bullying, but rather has become distinguished among her peers.”

She emphasized that the family’s support was directed to strengthening Maria’s self-confidence, not to put pressure on her, as she was always keen to make Maria feel capable, and that challenges do not mean stopping, but rather continuing, and this is what you see today in her personality and presence.

She explained that her daughter’s story summarizes an inspiring example of an Emirati girl who transformed the health challenges that have accompanied her since birth into a motivation for creativity and excellence, based on conscious family support and a stimulating educational environment, and with her artistic talent and early ambition, she confirms that determination and self-confidence are capable of opening wide horizons for children, and that ambition is not limited by age, nor hindered by challenges.