Differences can be blatant and prominent or subtle and unnoticed. What makes something stand out, seem awkward, or beg to be stared at? How do differences “ slight or glaring “ lead to…
My name is Kaylee. I am 8 years old and I was born with half a left arm. But it does not stop me. I have been doing pageants since I was two.…
Preface November 21, 1981 “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;“¨ He chastens and hastens His will to make known;“¨ The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing; “¨Sing praises to His…
In the fourth grade, my teacher sat me next to a boy that would put his forearm up against mine. Initially, I was a little smug when I thought he was trying to…
Within every interaction we encounter, we are teaching the world around us how we wish to be treated. Hi, I am the current Miss Iowa, Nicole Kelly. Believe it or not, did…
“Once you label me, you negate me.” Kierkegard Preface December 1988 I looked out the large airport window at LaGuardia in New York City. It was early afternoon, but the sky…
My name is Angelica* and I am sixteen years old. I’m unique. Everyone knows it. I mean, honestly, how many teenage girls do you know who play ice hockey, do youth group, act…
I came to the U.S. as a student in 2011. In the departure orientation at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, we were told to be prepared for a cultural shock and…
Preface March 1976 I was in the last few months of my 1st grade school year at Yankee Ridge Elementary in Urbana, Illinois. It wasn’t an ordinary Spring, however, because all the…
There is an expression, “Age is but a number.”Well yes, that is true. However, by that logic birthdays are but numbers, time is but a number, years are but a number, even YOU…
“Courage is Knowing What Not to Fear” –Plato We all start out so unabashedly unashamed. Whatever makes us unique and special, we regard without concern; we flaunt it without a care. Then…