I woke up to a Facebook notification inviting me to a group for my high school reunion. It dawned on me that next year will mark a decade since I graduated. Factor in a pandemic, and it feels more like several decades since I crossed the stage in June 2012.
Every August, I sit across from a nurse and prove that I am, in fact, still disabled. Disclaimer: I completely understand why assessments are necessary. I’m the beneficiary of countless government programs, from Medicaid to much-needed support funds. I’m not just blessed, I’m privileged as all get-out. I dislike the…
Last week, my mom, brother, and I decided to grab coffee on the way home from picking up groceries. The Starbucks closest to our house has one of the only drive-thrus that can accommodate the towering height of my high-top wheelchair van. Our order was taking longer…
Making friends as an adult is hard. At least, it always has been for me. After all, I’m an introvert. I like keeping to myself. But friendships are important to my emotional well-being, and I cherish them deeply. However, once I graduated from college and started working…
During my Saturday morning errand run, police motioned the cars in my lane to a halt for commencement of the annual Blue Ridge Brutal. The BRB is a grueling ride for bike enthusiasts eager to push themselves beyond the max. “Not for the faint hearted,” one blurb warns.
Have you ever looked at pictures of people on social media and wished that was you? The human race is made up of many different shades. At some point, though, we all turn green from envy. These feelings can greatly affect people with chronic illnesses and lead to an especially…
Every year, at the end of the annual parade on Singapore’s National Day on Aug. 9, Singaporeans across the world place our fists over our hearts in unison. We then recite our nation’s pledge, promising ourselves and our fellow citizens that we’ll “build a democratic society based on justice…
Weeks ago, when my friend Sherry and I started brainstorming topics for Disability Pride and SMA Awareness Month, we talked about choice. Specifically the hypothetical kind. In an ideal world, with free healthcare and radical accessibility, would we choose to stay disabled? It’s a question I’ve asked myself numerous…
Ed. note: This column was written in collaboration with fellow columnist Alyssa Silva for SMA Awareness Month. Read about her experiences with multigenerational living and how the two stories intersect at “Life, One Cup at a Time.” “But don’t you want to live on your own someday?” That’s a…
Ed. note: This column was written in collaboration with fellow columnist Halsey Blocher for SMA Awareness Month. Read about her experiences with multigenerational living and how the two stories intersect at ”From Where I Sit.” It was another Friday night at the beach this summer, and I…
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