Teachers

Inhale. The scent of dusty pine bookshelves, the sound of the librarian stamping return dates onto back pages. Exhale, open eyes–stacks of multicolored volumes

The Women At Tumkur Jail

Blood. Drop. By. Drop.  Staining her precious white dress. The Two Fridas. A painting for some. Truth for us.

Sweetie

Light permeates my life: it is my steadfast comrade in pursuit of scientific knowledge, my accomplice in illuminating the inked words of Mrs. Dalloway, and my spotlight as I pluck the harp to communicate the sensitive melodies of my heart; yet, most of all, light defines my relationship with my brother Robert (“Sweetie”).

Theater/Writing

When the inflatable couch arrived, I knew the play would be a success. Now I could see the physical space that my characters had been occupying in my mind.

Kombucha Club

“Are you serious?! How are we supposed to run a Fermentation Club without kombucha?”

Introversion

Here’s how most conversations used to go for me: Just say something. Now. Wait, nevermind. Now. Come on, just say it! And when I finally gathered enough courage, the conversation was over.

My Name

“Wait, but what do I play—” The piano sings a gentle chord progression. Bb Blues. I bring my trumpet to my face, but the foreign feeling of improvisation prevents me from playing.

Weight Room

I smell rubber mats, and I’m reminded of passion, respect, and motivation. I hear rap music blasting through speakers, and I know I’m in the weight room.

My Dreamscape

Every night for as long as I can remember, I have looked forward to the moments right before I fall asleep where I visit what I call my Dreamscape.

Boxing

Getting punched in the nose hurts. A lot. Your eyes start to water, all the blood rushes to your head, and you’re disoriented in a haze of pain and anger.

Teaching and Performing at Autism Association

“You have to call him Green Frog – and don’t look him in the eye,” the autism aid told me, leaving me flabbergasted. Before I started working with Crescendo, a program for autistic children, my world was filled mostly with my own music.