Sitting there wanting to share your truth, choking on the words that describe your true self. Fear races through your mind that you may not be enough for them to stay. Your truth, a deep vulnerability, is not enough. A simple comment is like pulling tar from your mouth. “This moment is perfect,” you think to yourself,
What a Proud Jew Wants Others to Know About Jewish American Heritage Month
When I had my brother on the phone a few months ago, he asked me out of the blue if I was proud to be Jewish. I told him, of course, I was. My first book of poetry, which hadn’t been released yet, would be titled Kosher, a title that I chose to pay homage to my Jewish roots (despite not keeping kosher during my meals).
National Endangered Species Day
Take notice and take action. It was care that spurred change. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the landmark Endangered Species Act. Signed in 1973, this bill arose after more than a decade of advocacy and litigation from scientists, writers, and concerned citizens who noticed sharp declines in iconic wildlife species.
Don’t forget the “PI” in AAPI
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is upon us. On one hand, this month is an opportunity to remember the history, pain, and joy experienced by both communities. However, on the other hand, quite often, it feels as though the “Pacific Islander” part of the acronym is a forgotten add-on.
Trans Visibility, Now More Important (And Costly) Than Ever
Y’all… I’m so tired. In previous years, International Transgender Day of Visibility has been a joyous and proud occasion for me. My gender identity, as I now see it, has been my truth for nearly a decade, and my deliberate decision to live openly and honor that identity in my expression followed shortly after.
International Day of Forests
“If you love a tree, you will be more beautiful than before!” – Amit Ray.
This year, the theme for the International Day of Forests, “Forests and Health,” is an invitation and an opportunity to reflect on what these expansive ecosystems do for us and how we can, in turn, serve them through conservation, species preservation, mindful nutrition, and ecological awareness.
The Transformative Power of Youth Arts Programs
Laurel Butler Like so many of us, my mental health as a teenager was… not great. At the time, I thought it was an individual problem – what’s wrong with…
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Cori Rosenthal It is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and while eating disorders impact people of all ages, races, genders, and socio-economic statuses, I am focused on children this year….
An Introvert’s Journey in a Workplace Surrounded by Extroverts
Majella Pinto A Myers-Briggs personality test I took, right after I did NOT get the promotion, clearly showed that I was an introvert. The majority of my colleagues were extroverts…
The Quiet Revolution: How Introverts Change the World
Isabelle Kluge I am a proud introvert who is always growing in self-awareness and learning to empower myself in a noisy world of extroverts. In this essay, I will address…
Happy Children’s Day
Katlyn boucher On this day, we celebrate children, the magic of childhood, perhaps reminisce about our own, and hopefully reflect on the kind of world children are living in now….
The Need to Ensure Everyone has Access to Water
larry bingaman Water is one of the most basic human needs and should be something everyone can have access to. However, reliable, high-quality water service is not guaranteed. Epic drought,…