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.

Defining ‘Home’

About a decade ago, a teacher asked me, “What would be the first thing you’d include if you were building a city?”  Without hesitation, I said, “An airport.”

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.

Being Small

February 4th, 2015: one of the happiest days of my life.

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.

Queer Identity

Draco Malfoy made me realize I’m gay. It’s about as weird it sounds.

Geriatric Medicine

In my household, there was only one rule: wherever I went, my brother had to go also.

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?

Exploring the World, Building Connections

When I was about ten, I wanted a tropical fish tank of my own. My mother insisted I write a formal proposal before funding my project. Armed with a book on tropical fish-keeping, and the online insights of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I learned about nitrogen cycles, fish compatibility, aquatic plants, and maintenance.

The Good Life Guide

My mom has an unfounded fear of fatality. When I was five, scared for a time when she couldn’t be there for me, she began penning a love note full of “bumper sticker wisdom,” gleaned from encounters with strangers and friends. We call these nuggets The Good Life Guide (TGLG), an ever-evolving shared note on our phones.

My Idea Notebook

My drawer has a single inhabitant, my idea notebook. A physical extension of my mind, each page frames the different parts of me. This essay embodies Ethan Samuel Lin. This essay is me.