Written by: Lindsay Li, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Alice Sun, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

On March 1 from 2:30–3:30 p.m., students at the FCSN South Bay Center learned the art of flower arrangement while enjoying each other’s company. Instructor Hongyin Zhang led the activity, in which students used the provided flowers and leaves to build their own small pots.

The students started by placing pink flowers onto a soil block base, forming the center of their arrangement. Then, they added yellow flowers for a lively contrast. With the help of volunteers, students cut leaves and pine needles to form the outer parts of the arrangement. Along the way, they chatted with volunteers and modified their flower pots as needed. At the end, everyone posed for a group photo and proudly took their creations home.

Hongyin has ~20 years of experience with flower arrangement and has taught the class for nearly two years. Volunteering via the Autism Spectrum Therapies system, Hongyin was introduced to FCSN’s programs. She hopes that teaching the class to children can inspire and encourage students to find joy in their lives. “[The main takeaway is that] happiness is the most important thing in life,” Hongyin said.

Volunteer Caitlynn Sue, a digital artist, appreciates the artistic freedom flower arranging offers particularly through its use of vibrant colors and diverse texture. “I hope that the students can express their creativity in their own unique way of arranging the flowers, and leave with something they’re proud of,” Caitlynn said.

Parent Josephine Liu, whose daughter Bethany participated in the class, aided some students during the session. Having been part of FCSN for two years, she appreciates the community and the strong network of help that the organization provides for children like Bethany. Bethany also art and attended the flower arranging class as her second class with FCSN. “We’re glad that there’s such a platform for the students who need support and have a place to work together,” Josephine said. “My hope is for this to be a place for my daughter to connect with others and develop new interests through the FCSN programs.”

While the class was filled with joy and creativity, it also came with its challenges. The main difficulty lay in balancing structured instruction for students unfamiliar with flower arranging while allowing them the freedom and independence to explore their own creativity.  “Some students might want you to do the work, but then you can only do enough to prime them for more,” Josephine said. “It’s a challenge to know how much to help, how much to step back and allow them to do their work.”

Despite such challenges, the class was a resounding success, fostering a positive atmosphere throughout the hour. “Even at home in a backyard, they can create arrangements with flowers they find,” Hongyin said. “It’s all about enjoying life.”

Additional classes will be held on April 16, May 3, and May 17.