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—Art as a Mirror of Human Strength—

People have always said that the eyes are a window to the soul. I like to say that art is a window to the artist’s soul, and because the artist is human, “art is a window to the soul.” Through art, we see not only the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of its creator/author but also reflections of our own experiences and humanity. Over the course of the last months, I have explored various works of art that embody resilience, empathy, and the creative power to transform adversity into beauty. These works, whether through photography, literature, sculpture, or film, all reveal the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.

This manifesto, “Art as a Mirror of Human Strength”, celebrates art’s ability to capture resilience and inspire us to persevere. This manifesto opposes art that lacks depth, authenticity, or connection to the human experience. It stands against works that trivialize struggle, glorify despair without insight, or fail to inspire action or reflection. Art should challenge, uplift, and connect us, not eave us indifferent.

At its core, art that mirrors human strength embodies three fundamental values: resilience, empathy, and creativity. Resilience is the ability to endure and overcome challenges, a quality that often defines the subjects and creators of meaningful art. Empathy allows art to connect deeply with its audience, fostering understanding and compassion for experiences that might otherwise remain foreign. Finally, creativity transforms adversity into beauty, offering new ways of seeing the world and inspiring others to face their own struggles.

These values resonate with me because they reflect the best of what humanity has to offer. Art rooted in resilience shows us that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities to grow. Works infused with empathy remind us that we are never truly alone in our pain or joy. And creativity turns even the darkest moments into something meaningful and hopeful. Together, these values make art a mirror of the strength we all possess.

In my photo series on immigration, I captured the journeys of individuals, myself included, striving for a better life. These photographs tell stories of courage, sacrifice, and determination as immigrants leave behind everything familiar to pursue their dreams. The images highlight resilience not as an abstract concept but as a tangible quality evident in the faces and actions of these individuals. Art like this reminds us of the power of hope in the face of uncertainty.

In Act III, Scene 4 of Hamlet, the confrontation between Hamlet and his mother reveals the complexity of human emotions. This scene is a testament to the strength it takes to face painful truths about family and identity. The raw vulnerability of Hamlet’s emotions and the tension in the dialogue show how art captures the inner conflicts that define us. It is in these moments of vulnerability that we find strength, both in the characters and in ourselves.

Ever is Over All video art, with its playful yet defiant tone, celebrates creative resistance. The act of joyfully smashing car windows becomes a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints. This work reminds us that strength can take many forms, including the courage to embrace individuality and defy expectations. Its vibrant imagery and unapologetic tone embody the creative power of resilience.

The 1932 film Freaks embraces the strength of community and self-acceptance. The so-called “freaks” are portrayed not as victims but as individuals with unique abilities and a profound sense of loyalty to one another. Their unity in the face of societal rejection is a powerful statement about the strength found in belonging and self-empowerment. The film’s message resonates deeply, reminding us of the resilience it takes to embrace our differences and form meaningful connections.

Each work contributes to the idea that art reflects and empowers human strength. From Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam to The Blue Symphony by John Gould Fletcher, these works celebrate the spark of life and the strength found in reflection. El Greco’s The Adoration of the Shepherds, and Turner’s Fishermen at Sea, highlight perseverance in the face of divine or natural forces. Even in smaller moments, such as my window message story, art reminds us of the strength to connect and endure.

Art is more than a reflection of life, it is a mirror that reveals the strength we may not always see in ourselves. Through resilience, empathy, and creativity, art captures the essence of what it means to be human. This manifesto, “Art as a Mirror of Human Strength,” celebrates works that inspire us to persevere and connect with one another.

As I reflect on the works I have explored the last few months, I am reminded that art has the power to transform pain into beauty, adversity into action, and isolation into connection. It is a call to embrace our own strength and to seek out art that uplifts and empowers. In doing so, we not only honor the resilience of others but also discover the strength within ourselves.

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—Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam—

Like breath, a moment hangs in the air, fragile and full of desire. God, surrounded by flowing angels, reaches out to the man with his hand, that one that holds all the love and power of creation. His gaze is firm yet kind, as though he whispers silently, “Come to life.”

Adam rests below, his body perfect but still, waiting for the first breath of existence. His arm lifts softly, his hand reaching back, unsure but awake. The space between their fingers feels electric, a quiet pull between heaven and earth, a decision to make. That tiny gap carries all the hope of life, all the beauty of the connection between Creator and creation.

God’s cloak swirls like the wind, full of movement and passion, while Adam’s pose is calm, grounded by the earth beneath him, attached to the mundane. The two figures mirror each other, God giving, Adam receiving, yet both seem drawn together by something deeper, something unspoken but eternal.

In this scene, Michelangelo paints not just the beginning of life, but the story of love itself, the love of a Creator for his creation, the desire of humanity for its origin. It’s a promise, a quiet spark, a reminder that life is born from connection and that we are forever tied to something greater than ourselves whether this is a deity or Mother Nature.

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-Ever Is Over all-

Rebel and happy are the two words to describe this short clip's captivating mix of joy and revenge in a thought-provoking way. The video shows a woman joyfully walking down the street in a turquoise dress while swinging a large, flower-like object. As she moves, she unexpectedly smashes car windows with the flower, smiling as if nothing is wrong. The dreamy background on the other side gives the impression of a bee hovering around flowers, blending beauty with an underlying sense of danger; vivid colors and gentle music add to the surreal feel of the piece. At one point, a police officer passes her and smiles as if approving of her actions.

The video’s main idea is breaking social expectations. The flower, a symbol of femininity and beauty, becomes a tool of destruction, challenging how women are often viewed in society as fragile like bees. Although bees are fragile and small, if one gets too close or tries to smash them, they can be dangerous. This mix of innocence and aggression encourages viewers to think about gender roles and power and note that the police officer is a woman as well. It could be a playful yet critical statement on how women can reclaim control in a world that tries to limit them.

Unlike a TV show, which usually has a clear plot, Ever Is Over All uses striking visuals and unexpected moments to grab our attention and make us think. It’s more like a piece of art or a poem, relying on images and feelings rather than telling a straightforward story.

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-The Queen’s Closet-

Hamlet: Act III,Scene 4.

Hamlet confronts his mother, Gertrude, with intense anger. He is furious that she married Claudius so soon after King Hamlet’s death. The scene becomes even more dramatic when Hamlet, thinking he hears Claudius behind a curtain, accidentally kills Polonius instead. This mistake sets off more chaos and further complicates the tragic events that follow. This scene reveals the psychological pain that Hamlet is experiencing, shown through his wide range of emotion.

The interaction between Hamlet and Gertrude is charged with tension, highlighting their fractured relationship. Hamlet is forceful and relentless, pushing his mother to face the consequences of her actions. Gertrude’s fear, confusion, and eventual emotional breakdown show her vulnerability and add complexity to her character, making the audience question her complicity in the events that have unfolded.

The appearance of King Hamlet’s Ghost interrupts the confrontation between mother and son and reminds Hamlet of his mission for revenge. Gertrude’s inability to see the Ghost further raises questions about Hamlet’s sanity, adding layers of tension to the scene.

This scene, with its charged language and dynamic interaction between Hamlet and Gertrude, highlights Hamlet’s psychological torment and Gertrude’s moral conflict, emphasizing the themes of guilt and the consequences of corruption.

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—Classical Movies—

Freaks, directed by Todd Browning in 1932, is set in a peculiar circus that features performers who are physically unique and often misunderstood by society. One of these performers, Hans, has inherited a substantial amount of money, which catches the eye of the beautiful trapeze artist Cleopatra and her boyfriend, the strongman Hercules. Together, they plot to have Cleopatra marry Hans, then poison him to claim his inheritance.

As the story unfolds, Cleopatra and Hercules manipulate Hans, making him believe Cleopatra genuinely loves him, while mocking him and the other performers behind his back. The circus performers, who share a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie, begin to see through Cleopatra’s cruelty. During the dinner after Hans and Cleopatra’s wedding, Cleopatra openly humiliates him, taunting him and ridiculing his friends as “freaks.” This moment exposes her true intentions, igniting the wrath of Hans’s “freak” friends, who unite to protect one of their own and seek justice.

The film’s cinematography and editing reflect its eerie atmosphere, with close-ups that emphasize the performers’ expressions and quick scene transitions that keep the viewer on edge. These sudden cuts and close framing create an unsettling effect, leaving audiences in suspense as they anticipate what might come next. While the film’s technical elements might feel limited by the technology of the 1930s, Browning’s creative use of these techniques still captures the emotional intensity of the story

Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder, follows two musicians, Joe and Jerry, who accidentally witness a mob hit and must flee Chicago to avoid being killed. In their desperate attempt to escape unnoticed, they disguise themselves as women, taking on the identities of “Josephine” and “Daphne” and joining an all-female band heading to Florida.

While trying to keep their true identities hidden, Joe and Jerry become close to the women in the band, particularly Sugar Kane, the band’s singer, whom Joe quickly falls in love with. Their attempts to maintain their cover lead to humorous and increasingly challenging situations, especially when Jerry (as "Daphne") catches the eye of an eccentric millionaire named Osgood Fielding III, who is intent on pursuing "her." Meanwhile, the band’s suspicious director closely observes Joe and Jerry, heightening the tension as the two try to avoid being discovered

When Jerry and Sugar end up sleeping next to each other on the train. Already in love with Sugar, Jerry tries to stay calm while having her so close and attempts to charm her with alcohol, but the other girls overhear them and join in, disrupting Jerry’s plans to have Sugar all to “himself.” The scene’s lighting gives the impression that they are always on set, adding to the playfulness and energy of the moment.

Note: Both movies are available for free with adds in Tubi.

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-A Better Future: The Pathway-

This photograph collection tells the story of those who left home on a spring morning and never returned. The journey of immigration is one filled with hope, sacrifice, and resilience. with a pinch of sadness. These images represent the desire for a new beginning but also the complex reality of leaving behind what is known as home. Each photo serves as a reminder that immigration is not just a movement of people but of stories, dreams, and identities.

-Day 1: Turning Point-

Realizing the journey has started is overwhelming; there's no turning back. This image shows the hopes of immigrants as they head toward new lands. The sunlight view from the airplane window reflects the long distance they must travel, both physically and emotionally. Every mile brings uncertainty but also the possibility of a new life. The reflection on the water reminds us that while the road ahead may be tough, the hope for a better future keeps them moving forward.

-Day 12: The Road Less Traveled-

A line of travelers weaving their path through the forest, packed with backpacks and essential belongings. Their expressions are a mix of exhaustion and anticipation after long hours of walking through the forest with minimum rest. This photo captures the path that many take, not just across borders, but toward a life full of unknowns.

-Day 27: Currency of Dreams-

Frida Kahlo’s face on the Mexican 500 bills symbolizes strength and perseverance, skills needed to confront hardships. Just as Frida dealt with pain and challenges, immigrants carry the burden of leaving their homes, families, and everything familiar behind. Her resilience mirrors the determination of those seeking a better life. The note represents not only the money needed for the journey but also the emotional toll of the sacrifices made along the way.

-Day 35: Hands of Hope-

In this moment, migrant struggles in the water, fighting the river's current. This picture reminds us that staying united will get us through the darkest moments, reflecting the essence of human connection. The urgency of the image conveys the risks many migrants endure in the name of that better future.

-Day 36: Lifeline-

And finally, they have reached the door to the future they were looking for. Their tiny figures beside the huge wall represent the difficult barriers between them and their dreams. The scene shows the strength and hope of people on a hard journey, all trying to find a better future.

. . . . . . . .

Each image shows a special moment in this journey, highlighting the strength of those who dream of a better life. As we think about these stories, let’s remember that immigration isn’t just about crossing borders; it’s about our shared humanity.

Note: These pictures were taken in 2022 when my family and I migrated to the United States.

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—A Fall Playlist—

There is something about Fall, is the scent of change mixed with air of nostalgia. I have put together a playlist that for me represents introspection, and reflects the beauty of transition that comes with Fall, the time of the year to contemplate the changes in nature and life. This collection includes rock, folk, classical, jazz, electronic and blues genres showcasing the range of emotions and feelings associated with fall.

Pavane by Gabriel Fauré: https://youtu.be/HQQFWtw4FIQ?si=BmJYqC8GRAHbcIYy —Classical

Pavane is a classical piece from the late romantic period, composed by the French composer Gabriel Fauré. Its slow and flowing melody embodies the tranquil and graceful decline of fall. The piece features consonant harmonic structure that evokes calm and reflection. It has an A|B|A structure that provides sense of continuity associated with the cycle of the seasons. In general the music is serene and nostalgic aligned with characteristics of fall.

It’s Time by Imagine Dragons: https://youtu.be/sENM2wA_FTg?si=jt627fvXNu5Ctm4r —Rock/Akternative

It’s Time is a song composed and interpreted by the rock band Imagine Dragons. Its lyrics and rhythm capture the energy of change themes that resonate with the fall season. The melody is catchy, with an anthemic quality symbolizing transformation. The syncopation in the drums and laud give the song a lively pulse. Although the tempo is fast the lyrics cover a deeper reflective message adding emotional complexity.

Autumn Leaves by Chet Baker: https://youtu.be/zTVlrOk9a8M?si=lTVQbqRkFosU9wh1 —Jazz

Autumn Leaves by Chet Baker evokes the supreme mood of fall, nostalgic and bittersweet. His trumpet playing is gentle and introspective, with an airy sound and slow tempo. The harmony shifts between consonance and dissonance as he goes into the improvisation part of the piece. The A|A|B|A structure of this jazz creates a haunting atmosphere of loss and reflection, much like watching leaves fall from the trees.

Rivers and Roads by The head and the Heart: https://youtu.be/AclhwQKlgfw?si=qZWKUcSGIDELo-ZY —Folk

This song taps into the themes of distance and passage of time. The song starts with a soft acoustic guitar and slowly builds intensity with a crescendo, when other vocal harmonics lines joins the main melody adding warmth and depth to the sound. The tempo begins slow but increases with the crescendo giving the song an emotional arc. The folk style with its simplicity allows for deep emotional expression.

Stormy Monday by T-Bone Walker: https://youtu.be/VAPDJheC0Jk?si=6HWwo6MzDVnpBekG —Blues

Stormy Monday is the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day of fall. The song’s minor melody, steady and slow tempo create a moody and reflective atmosphere. The blues structure is classic and repetitive offering a sense of emotional grounding. Walker’s guitar solo alternates between consonant and slightly dissonant phrases, giving the song emotional depth that captures the melancholic side of fall.

Sunset Lover by Petit Biscuit: https://youtu.be/4fQeaM62mOY?si=DDpXq2qexMgIL3bB —Electronic

Sunset Lover is a dreamy electronic track that reflects the calm and peaceful beauty of autumn sunsets. The melody is minimalistic but soothing, with warm, consonant harmonies that create sense of tranquility. The tempo is steady and relaxed; the structure is simple and loop-based creating a meditative atmosphere that draws the listener into an introspective space.

This playlist captures what the essence of fall means for me. Emotional complexity, from the reflective moments of quiet to the energy of change. Each piece showcases different aspects of the season through diverse musical genres blending melodic and harmonic elements to evoke the sensations of autumn. From classical elegance to the nostalgic tones of jazz and electronic calm of modern beats. This playlist is the full range of fall’s beauty and mood.

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-Window Message-

It's been a month since Luka's parents grounded him, so I've been hanging out alone after school. He left messages on my window for two weeks, but not today. Luka's been my best friend since elementary school. We live in the same neighborhood, and our moms have known each other for over 20 years. Even so, his mom won't let me see him. Last week, I knocked on their door, waiting for someone to answer.

I saw movement in the window, just for a second. Someone was there, but nobody opened the door. Maybe they were avoiding me, but something felt off. Luka never went this long without talking, even when grounded. I couldn't shake the feeling that night, so I snuck out and walked to his house in the middle of the night.

The street was quiet, the cold breeze against my skin giving me chills as I crept to the side window where he usually left messages. I wiped the frost away, expecting a note, but instead saw something written in the frosting. A message read, "Help me”. My heart raced. Was this a joke? I came down to the front door and knocked again, harder. Luka's mother opened the door, eyes wide and nervous. Before I could speak, she whispered, "You need to leave. Now."

I stepped back, confused, when I heard a noise behind her: Luka calling my name. But the sound wasn't coming from inside the house. It was coming from underneath.

Luka wasn't grounded. He was being hidden. From what? Or who?

Note: This a fiction story.

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“The Blue Symphony” by John Gould Fletcher

The human soul is a cycle of nature, as the winter becomes spring, spring, summer, and summer, fall. The leaves fall and eventually become dust that will serve as fuel for the next tree to grow. This poem resembles the connection between nature and the human soul.

Darkness rises, bringing rain and clouds, and the sun comes closer to Earth.

The pale dawn leaves me timidly admiring a sunken garden, autumn leaves, shaded roofs in the blue mist of the sky, and a broken willow branch.

Oh, old memories of my soul, how you shine between trees.

Blue and cool, hesitant blow puffs of smoke across dark pools

The humid smell of rotten wood and a heron crying out from the water.

Admiring the dawn is like a symphony and is a well-integrated musical composition. The poem describes a scene of darkness brought by the dawn, and this lack of light reveals an old garden filled with water and autumn leaves, referencing what is there, but we do not always see. The descriptive language utilized evokes sensory experiences and imagery. While reading, we can paint this landscape as described: a house backyard with a water pond or lake that used to be a garden, with old memories sunken, evoking nostalgia. The usage of the lyrics gives it an even more personal tone, interconnecting human emotion and nature. The organic narrative makes it feel like everything related to the poem's center; admiring the dawn in a house's backyard and its free structure gives it a sense that something is moving, reminding me of nature's sounds.

Poem Link: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=4&issue=6&page=5

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Architectural Interiors

We inhabit certain places most of the time, such as our house and work or school. I can say that I had never thought about how their architectural structure worked out with their function before.

The house I live in is a one-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are all integrated into open space; then, a hallway leading to the bathroom and the bedroom. I like to say that it is a rectangle. The layout creates a distinctive organizational sense in its spaces and promotes functionality flow.

It does serve its functions as a domestic space. It is welcoming, and the fact that the front door leads to this open space where the common areas are reduces the urge to lie on the bed. It has three big windows, one in each area, allowing a lot of natural light, making it feel bright and open. Its structure feels accommodating and does not need any upgrades because it accomplishes its functions. However, the structure has no features that make it look remarkable; that is left to the decoration aesthetics.

All of this comfort and basicness of the house I live in is in a way that is not familiar with the place I work due to that being a hotel. In this case, the hotel's function is to receive guests and accommodate their needs. It is a twelve-floor gulf-front building with the first floor as its lobby space (where I work). The first-floor structure comprises an open common area with 12 ft tall ceilings. This place is entirely different from my house. It feels more like a commercial space that does not provide any coziness but more elegance, and its architectural features, such as the columns and arches, give it a character that reminds me of Greek architecture. Even though the hotel has more pronounced architectural features, it does not feel crowded.

I enjoy both spaces; home gives me peace and a sense of privacy, and work gives me the feeling of being in a museum. There is always a new structural feature to admire. Both spaces achieve their goal in different ways.

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“The Ring” by the canadian sculptor Timothy Paul Schmalz is a bronze full round monument 10 ft in height, 6 ft wide, and 3.5 ft deep. This piece is inspired by Richard Wagner's opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." The opera context falls back to Scandinavian Mythology, which tells the story of The Rhinemaidens losing their gold when a dwarf steals it to make a magic ring. The gods must pay giants to build a new palace, so they take the dwarf magic ring. The dwarf curses the ring, leading to the giants fighting and one killing his brother. Meanwhile, the gods move into their new palace, and the Rhinemaidens stay upset about their lost gold.

Link to the full story: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Der-Ring-des-Nibelungen

The sculpture represents this story through visual representation, translating the opera's theme into elements such as the ring as its central figure and highlighting its significance and power. We can observe human figures intertwined with the ring and around it, giving it a touch of sadness and hardship, as if the human were holding a heavy waif on their shoulders. The sculpture pays tribute to Wagner's Opera and offers a unique understanding of enduring rough times through the art.

The Naples community values art, which is why so many of them exist. Also, it's cultural history; when I was there taking the pictures, people appreciated the piece and read the information panel, something I noticed very common around the area. Its size makes it impossible to miss when passing by. Nonetheless, it enhances the city's aesthetic, matching the trail of sculptures and artworks around the 5th Avenue area.

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The Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)

This a painting of a traditional and religious subject, the birth of Christ. Curving lines characterize the whole piece, even the background where the architectural structure is; this resembles a flow and calm appearance. Yet, the distortions of the character's figures are evident. Everyone is gathered to see this baby's birth, making the reunion a focal point in the canvas, with saturation coming from the baby lighting up everyone's faces. The curving lines reflect how at ease these people are around the newborn child, and the triangle structure of the characters alludes to a pyramid as the angels are on top, representing divinity over the humans below them; all of it blends to keep out the excessive use of vibrant colors so the baby can be the main point. Emotionally speaking, this painting transmits adoration, devotion, and peace. This piece defines the era's devotion to religion, its history, and how it shaped the community. It elicits a "wonder" feeling in me because even though the whole ambiance alludes to devotion and calm, the slightly distorted form of the characters and the use of the color palette repeating most colors make me think that something is off, or perhaps is the lack of brightness for a piece with its religious context that makes me "wonder" how can be calm and devote while dark as well.

Lately, I have been attracted to paintings with a distinctive focal point. I believe that it points out the main story of the piece and draws me to pay more attention to detail; in that way, I realize that the focal point is essential, but the surrenders, too, is a critical choice I have been making to comprehend and analyze the piece thoroughly.

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"The Fishermen at Sea" (1796) by Joseph Mallord William Turner.

This painting is a moonlight scene that illustrates a small fishing boat battling against a turbulent sea and a volatile and moody sky. The size of the ship and its crew, although tiny, reflects how they struggle with powerful waves, emphasizing the dangerous core of their situation, almost like a hopeless scene. It represents the fragility of humanity against Mother Nature and its surprising turns. The artist uses a monochromatic and quiet color palette, characterized by the contrast of light spots and shadows surrounding the moon and the boat with the dark clouds, nearly isolating the lighter spots from the rest of the piece and giving it a tone of suspense and melancholic.

The contrast between light and darkness represents the ferocity of the forces of nature, as well as hope. It reminds me of how life can sometimes feel when everything appears to be wrong and overwhelming, almost like you are drowning. Yet, it makes me think of how grateful the fishermen should have felt when they passed through that scary night (If they did); it reflects how moments of hope can emerge from adversity. When I moved to the United States, I had to go through 4 different countries to get to the Mexico/US border, spending a total of 35 days traveling in poor conditions, such as no bed, sometimes no shower, and walking distances of 4 to 5 miles between mountains not under the best weather. The resilience shown in this piece reminds me of that moment in my life. The artwork highlights the brutal realities of life and the strength needed to overcome them; this point of view relates to my own view of resilience and always looking for the bright side of challenging circumstances.

This piece raises themes such as nature's power, struggle and resilience, human vulnerability, and isolation. These themes represent the relationship between humanity, nature's forces, and how humans pass through them.

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ABOUT ME

Who am I? Who are we? Who are you?

I wasn’t born here, and I did not speak the language. I left Mom’s house on a hot March night and traveled 35 days to finally reach that dividing line. I was committed to achieving the goal of a better life. But what is a better life? Does a better life make us who we are? Who are we? Who am I?

Some of my first memories are of a music school; I started with my classes when I was eight years old and continued all the way up the conservatory. I enjoy good conversation, astrology, history, and art. I try to avoid small talk, although it is necessary for daily life and human interaction; if we are spending time together, small talk is out of limits. The ocean breeze lights up my moody days, books are my most trusted friends and I believe a good coffee can remedy any discomfort. If you ask me who I am, I will say I’m all that and more. As Oscar Wilde said in The Picture of Dorian Grey, “Define is to limit.”