Pathology

The aroma of pumpkin pie drifted from my aunt’s kitchen and infiltrated my nose. Mindlessly, I followed the scent into the room and strode over to the dessert. While seeking a slice, I was suddenly knocked to the ground by my aunt’s springer spaniel. Ruthlessly, he opened his mouth and sank his canines into my cheek as easily as I would have done to the pie.

Trauma Surgeon

Derived from the Greek term “etumología,” etymology is the study of the original meaning of a word. In defining the term, I have also explained its own etymology. Neat, huh?

Translating

“.miK ijniM” This is how I wrote my name until I was seven. I was a left-handed kid who wrote from right to left, which made my writing comprehensible only to myself.

Songwriting

“Put samba rhythm over fast blues riff.”  “Get deadlift to 300 lbs by December.”

Skin

While other 5-year-olds played with rubber ducks in the bath, I sat in the sweet strawberry scented tub of childhood, perfecting my bubble beard, and discovering my interest: skin.

Sutras

“Namo-Arihantanam, Namo-Siddhanam, Namo-Ayariyanam…”

Mazes

I’m standing at a crossroad with three options: turn left, turn right, or walk forward. Where is the way out? I wonder.

Rocks

I’ve had a rather peculiar obsession with rocks of many kinds since I was a boy, playing in a rock fort I made with my twin brother.

Stomach Whisperer

I could taste tangy cinnamon, a dash of extra vanilla, the raw flavor of molasses, all overlaid with the smooth creamy base of buttermilk batter.

Patellar Tendininitis

The summer before junior year was pretty awful. At the beginning of summer, I was diagnosed with patellar tendinitis. Not only did I lose the experience of playing basketball, but I also lost the feeling that came with being part of a team.