In the 1920s, my great grandfather emigrated from Italy and started one of the first accordion businesses in America. The tradition has now been passed to my grandfather. But for me, the tradition has a twist. It starts with a knock on the front door, a signature, and me—an impatient little girl— waiting to see […]
The moment has finally arrived; the college application essay has found its way onto my computer screen. No pressure. That was total sarcasm by the way. Days on end, I spent contemplating a “unique, and original” introduction to what may be the only chance of “standing out from the rest”. Sure the third grade self […]
When the engine turned over, and the soft purr of a newborn coupe filled the garage, the child of my high school determination came to life. My 1970 MGB-GT, a British sports car, was no longer a work in progress. It stood as a completed monument for all the jammed fingers, grease stained shirts, and […]
Atop the current of the lake, a young woman zoomed on a gleaming red jet ski. Her long, brown hair flew behind her, strong and full of life. One year later, her now limp hair surrendered to radiation and fell to a cold, ceramic floor. Despite the untrodden path set before her, she persevered fearlessly. […]
Diversity is commonly defined by basic attributes such as gender, skin color, nationality, and sexual orientation. However diversity in terms of world views is much more important and relevant than these external labels. Having a class of people with different opinions on how to change the world and what their purpose would be in it […]
My father wouldn’t be considered your traditional good influence. As an able-bodied unemployed middle-aged man with substance abuse issues, he would not be regarded as inspiring by most people. We may not have the best relationship, but I can honestly say that he has had a positive impact on my life and has indirectly taught […]
I bet the same thing is on every senior’smind. With graduation only weeks away, I am determined to walk acrossthat stage, even though it becomes harder to stay focused onschool. I can see graduation day now. All the seniors will marchin wearing caps and gowns and sit proudly in the uncomfortable metalchairs before the stage. […]
I felt gravity take over, sucking me to its very core. There was no room for emotion now; I used to be enveloped in an countless continuum of silence, damaged momentarily by the rhythmic thundering of my coronary heart. After I was youthful, I used to be completely fearful of heights. I’d have nightmares during […]
Being born with ADHD was not fun. It made every task appear as more of a challenge. As a child, I had trouble focusing in a fast-paced environment. I couldn’t grasp information as fast as others seemed to do. In elementary school I was taken out of my regular class to be taught in a […]
Pasta strings my family together into a ball of yarn hugging us tighter in togetherness. After a hard day of work for my dad or day of school for my sister and me, the string noodles bring us together, with binding love. As I walk into the house, the aroma of marinara sauce cushions our […]