What does melinda learn in art class? what does the tree she spends the year creating finally come to symbolise?

Melinda learns that perfection is not required and imperfections are what we all grow on. Melinda thinks that the new growth on the tree she drew was the best part. Growing in life, to Melinda, appears to be something she now respects. The tree Melinda draws is very much like the tree that is in the front yard of her house. Both of the trees have new growth along with “sick” branches. . I think the tree Melinda draws represents all of our lives and the problems we have faced or are going to face.