Identity

Returning to Grounds as a fourth year, I feel as though life is moving too fast and has suddenly gotten away from me.

One thing about me? I take birthdays very seriously. One birthday in particular, actually—mine.

Dearest,

I watched from the top of the staircase tonight as you gripped the railing on the way down, knuckles white and still bony from the years you let me hold them. 

Summer 2022 was easily one of the best times of my life: weeks spent in the sun and the outdoors, with friends, and a great sense of purpose working for the first time at my childhood summer camp.

My fondest childhood memories involved two simple things: a kitchen counter, and a song. 

two cultured,
my mind cluttered,
i struggle,
attempt to juggle. 

This photo was taken on a Tuesday morning before a long day of classes. Tuesday is by far my busiest day of the week, yet I conjure up the funkiest outfit possible in the small window of time I have before inevitably running late to my 11 am class.

Everyone around me is in constant motion, much like the waves roiling and knots coiling inside me. I so badly want to join in on the excitement. I want to enjoy the moment.

Cassie (she/her): Hi Emma Mei and Acacia, can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself? What year are you, what are your pronouns, what is your racial/ethnic identity, and how long have you been in Mixed Race Student Coalition (MRSC)

At eight years old, plead with your father to turn off the Spanish-language songs blaring from the radio. “English songs only!” you demand, longing to find a sense of familiarity in the lyrics of the songs you listened to.