Category: Personal

From Competition to Compassion: A Swimmer’s Journey of Giving Back

Gathered by the shimmering blue poolside of Lawrence Family JCC, a group of high school students clad in neon pink speedos stands out against the backdrop of giant posters displaying water polos, pink ribbons, and slogans. Leading a group of boys in bright pink swim trunks, we raise funds for cancer awareness advocated by Susan G. Komen. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and determination as we swim lap after lap, the water seemingly echoing our shared goal - raising...

The story between Baiyun and me

In the winter of 2020, after three connecting flights and a crowded train ride, my friends and I finally arrived at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China, all the way from San Diego, USA. As I locked eyes with the panda named Baiyun, time seemed to stand still. In that moment of silence, I felt a deep connection as she slowly approached me. It was as if she recognized me, and I could see...

Clouds of Joy

Ten years ago when I was eight years old, my mom often traveled for her international solo violin performances, sometimes coming home to Shanghai only once or twice a month. I and my dad whom she divorced spent a lot of time in Huangpu Park together. We would sit on the grass, and my dad would point to the clouds in the sky, saying, "Look, they look just like the Turkish shepherds!" As the sun set, he'd describe a shepherd...