I’m Lydia, studying at Zhonghe Senior High School. I am glad that the judges recognized my efforts. English reading plays an important role in my life and my love of it was deeply influenced by my mom as she took me to the international book fair from my young age, exposing me to foreign books from different perspectives. For me, English and reading are the bridges that help me connect with the world. My philosophy is that reading opens children’s dreams. With the ability of English and enthusiasm for reading, I can both broaden my horizons and chase my dream.

Mr. Willy Wonka, the main character of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, reinforces my view of the importance of childlike innocence. I used to consider childlike innocence a precious element easily wiped out by society after growing up. After reading this book, I understand childlike innocence is one of the most important factors in shaping our character and outlook on life.

Charlie, a poor child, accidentally got the golden ticket hidden underneath a bar of chocolate he bought with part of a fifty-pence piece he found in the gutter, and had the chance to enter Mr. Willy Wonka’s factory. There he saw the huge chocolate waterfall, the gleaming pink boiled-sweet boat, chewing gum in place of meals, and a “crazy” Mr. Willy Wonka. After the first look at Willy Wonka, everyone might think he had lost his mind, but was Willy Wonka crazy? He was definitely not. Instead, he retained his childlike innocence. For example, he invented the Everlasting Gobstoppers, showing that he kept childlike innocence, hoping to have endless candy. Also, he invented a special type of chocolate, which could be transported by the TV, to satisfy his childhood dream: reaching the arm while watching the candy commercials and having the chocolate. Whether it is a dashing attitude or a stern look in the face of things or mischievous children, it shows his true nature, or childlike innocence. He didn’t hide his emotions and used exaggerated words and body movements to express his feeling. Seeing the world from a simple, unsophisticated perspective is the major factor why he can keep making so much amazing candy, not limited by the realistic frame.

Childlike innocence is essential in life, but it may disappear easily over time. As children, we were attracted by beautiful things. For example, we might chase butterflies flying among the grass, follow ants busy carrying food, stare at the gecko in the corner of the house, and look at the peculiar way it crawled. As time passes, many people lose interest in observing living things before their eyes and consider it a waste of time. With time, however, I still remain interested in observing the little things happening around me. For me, it's not a waste of time but a valuable lesson from these unexpected visitors. If I wonder, you've heard of the Marshmallow Challenge? A tough challenge to build the tallest free-standing structure by using twenty sticks of dry spaghetti, a yard of tape and string, and a marshmallow. Through the challenge, we see children outperform most adults. Why? Because children have maintained innocence. Their imagination hasn’t been confined; therefore, they can stay resilient to things and come up with more creative and innovative ideas.

There is a saying, “The older we are, the wiser we are.” Yes, with more experience we become wiser, but we also lose childlike innocence. That is, our innocence is often limited by what we learn and experience and might die with growth. Nowadays, we greatly admire the children's unique vision and spirit of seeing the world, which also makes many people feel emotional, sighing deeply for their lost innocence. In the process of learning new things, we seem to be broadening our horizons, but actually, the opposite is the case. We are unconsciously trapped by a wall called knowledge. From a certain angle, the more we learn, the less we know. With the realistic frame constraining us, we lose our imagination, thus shattering our dream. Many forget every adult was once a child. On the journey of life, some gradually lose their innocence while others keep it throughout their life.

People with innocence can adapt to the changes brought by growth and maintain mental resilience. Namely, we must face rapid change with a sunny mentality, look at everything from a positive perspective, and discover good aspects of things. Our aging wouldn’t stop, but our innocence can always exist and help us live young. Maintaining childlike innocence doesn’t mean negating past experience but keeping an open mind on applying our experience to new situations. Willy Wonka maintains childlike innocence, since he is always innocent and playful, and such an attitude towards life is what we should admire and emulate.