Mulan, My Teacher - By Rosie Lee

Written By: Rosie Lee

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant essay "Mulan, My Teacher," Rosie Lee takes us on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration. As part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this submission delves into themes of identity and belonging through the lens of the iconic character Mulan. Rosie shares her personal narrative of moving to the United States and the challenges of adapting to a new environment, finding solace and inspiration in Mulan's story. Her reflections offer a touching insight into the universal struggle of finding one's place in the world.

About the Work

Rosie Lee's essay captures the essence of transformation and resilience. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflections, she narrates her journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her true identity. The mood is both contemplative and hopeful, as Rosie uses Mulan's story to illustrate the courage required to face adversity. Her literary style combines personal anecdotes with broader cultural themes, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong.

Mulan, My Teacher

Original Submission by Rosie Lee

Mulan, My Teacher

by Rosie Lee

I first watched Mulan when I was six.

To understand why this was such a monumental moment for me, I would have to take you back to the year of 2015. We had just moved to the United States, and everything felt… wrong.

Growing up, feeling like an outsider in my own country—it was a surreal, almost eerie cacophony (kuh-kah-phony) of emotions. It was as if the air around me compressed, squeezing out every last drop of hope—something I’d believed to be precariously ephemeral (uh-feh-meryl)—suffocating me in a language that was just out of reach.

I learned to go by a name that held an unfamiliar lilt—not Ruoxi, but Rosie. I learned to fear the flag that I would pledge myself to—stumbling over oaths of allegiance I didn’t understand. I learned that my place was not given, but earned—through ESL lessons and tongue-twisters that proved my worth.

I remember making a silly little avatar of a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, copying it into a Google Document, and labelling it: What I wish I looked like.

I wanted to be her. But mostly, I wanted to be someone I was not.

And then, there she was.

Mulan didn’t belong. Mulan didn’t personify grace or fearlessness. Mulan lacked certainty.

And yet, she stood. As the mountains trembled and collapsed, as the endless army raced towards her, and as all those around her turned their backs.

Mulan had her happy ending.

And I didn’t need to change myself to find mine, too.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the power of the written word. Encouraging diverse voices from around the globe, the competition aims to highlight unique perspectives and stories. Participants engage with themes ranging from identity and culture to innovation and society, offering readers a rich tapestry of literary creativity.

We extend our gratitude to Rosie Lee for her moving contribution, "Mulan, My Teacher," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her essay not only enriches the dialogue on identity and belonging but also inspires others to find strength in their unique journeys. Thank you, Rosie, for sharing your story with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.