Traveling is, and always will be, the best gift I have ever received. I see it that way — as a gift — because each new place I visit imparts a secret that only it and I share. Each adventure brings unique experiences, customs, and perspectives I otherwise would never have considered. I come homeContinue reading “Studying Abroad: Field Notes on Learning and Living”
Tag Archives: zerotohero
Identity Death
While not a formal diagnostic term, identity death draws on psychological theories of identity disruption and transition (Erikson, 1959; Breakwell, 1986), often describing the internal collapse of a once-stable self-concept in response to significant life changes. Has anyone ever asked you what the meaning of life is? It’s one of those questions we tend toContinue reading “Identity Death”
Will You Be My Valentine?
This semester, I’m taking a course required by my university’s curriculum called What’s Love Got to Do With It? At UF, this class is highly sought after, with students of all ages vying for a spot in discussions about relationships, sex, and, of course, love. During our last class, we gathered around, feeling the tinge of loveContinue reading “Will You Be My Valentine?”
Healing Through Words
During the lowest points of my life, when I was afraid to ask for help and pitied those who pitied me, my only refuge was found in words and the spaces between them. When no one seemed to understand me, I turned to writing to make sense of my emotions, convincing myself that feelings wereContinue reading “Healing Through Words”
I Regret to Inform You…
Dear Reader, I regret to inform you that this may not be the last time you read those words. Reflecting on all the times I have faced rejection takes me no more than five minutes. I can count the major rejections I’ve experienced on one hand, and honestly, even those never stung for more thanContinue reading “I Regret to Inform You…”
This Is My Ballot
American politics, most of the time, seems like a joke. It is almost laughable to see politicians speak at presidential debates, with millions of Americans watching them play out like a comedy act. However, when I sat down to watch this year’s debate, the initial laughter soon turned to dejection. This year, it was noContinue reading “This Is My Ballot”
I’m Changing (and I Love It): Welcome to Season 3
I’ve always seen my life as a succession of seasons, each teaching me something new and bringing the right people into my life at the right time. Typing these posts on my laptop, I feel like Carrie Bradshaw. I love romanticizing my life by turning each minute occurrence into a profound lesson, aiming to giveContinue reading “I’m Changing (and I Love It): Welcome to Season 3”
Learning and Re-Learning: What the Last Year Has Taught Me
Upon entering a new phase of life, I believed I had already learned the majority of lessons I needed to, or at least enough to build a strong moral compass that could guide me through every curveball the next year could throw at me. Growing up with a strong family foundation, I learned early onContinue reading “Learning and Re-Learning: What the Last Year Has Taught Me”
WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD
I wish I could write the way I used to; obsessively, ravenously, writing myself into holes I could only write to get out of. I would write to escape my own reality, but also to face the words I was scared to say aloud. I miss having a space that was only mine, where IContinue reading “WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD”
A FRESH START
For many years of my life, I viewed the New Year with awe and a sense of wanderlust. As the embodiment of a Type-A personality, I dedicated the beginning of each day, week, month, and year to meticulously planning ways to improve my life. I was aware of how it might seem to others—silly, perhaps—toContinue reading “A FRESH START”
chocolate and politics 