Colors of Twine

The twine challenges me–folding leads to more precise designs, crumpling to a more abstract look. My hands are clammy from the latex residue, the dye sticking to my skin for days, leaving its mark.

Kombucha Club

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

Family Camp

The long drive to Camp Seabeck never gets old. As the Seabeck General Store comes into sight, the stale air of the car is replaced by the salty ocean air of the Puget Sound.

Photography

I love trying new things. I’ve played five instruments, nine sports, including spearfishing. And they’ve taught me a few important things.

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.

Relationship to Japanese Identity

The new name I want to give myself is the Japanese name, Ryou. Japanese names can have a variety of meanings, depending on the kanji one chooses, but the meaning I like for the name Ryou is “dragon.”

My Natural ‘Mom Vibe’

Apparently, I have a natural “mom vibe.” On my volleyball team, I am team mom in every way. As a natural worrier, I like to make sure that everyone has all of their necessities: knee pads, water bottle, hair elastic, uniform.

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.

Uncharted Territory

In my dream, I am a mermaid, kicking my tail through the water. But now, I stand on the edge of the pool, my reflection staring back up at me.

Obsessive Builder and Problem Solver

Since childhood, I have been an obsessive builder and problem solver. When I was 6, I spent two months digging a hole in my backyard, ruining the grass lawn, determined to make a giant koi pond after watching a show on HGTV.

Bracelets

I like grouping my experiences in life on my wrists. In my culture, this can be seen as weird, but by wearing my bracelets I am establishing my own identity, even if I am pushing against cultural norms.

Oaths, Shapeshifting, and Magic

In my free time, I love to research the Cosmere collection, an expansive fictional universe where Brandon Sanderson’s series of books take place. I am drawn to the Cosmere because of the similarities between the books and my own journey and life experiences.