you through my eyes

By Dalya Cordeiro

This podcast is an adventure in interpersonal relationships. I asked my mother to share three songs she associated with herself. Meanwhile, I compiled my own three-song playlist of tunes that I associated with her. The intent behind this piece was to demonstrate how women perceive themselves versus how other women perceive them. It’s a reminder that there’s strength within each of us that we ourselves cannot always see.

Meet the Pair

MENTEE DAYLA CORDEIRO & MENTOR PAIGE CARLOTTI

Dalya’s Anecdote: My mentor is Paige and she’s more than I had ever hoped for. I knew going in that I would want a mentor whose attitude and spirit matched my own, and Paige not only fits that criteria, she flies far beyond it. Armed with a kind hand and a quick wit, Paige has been a superb teacher and a lovely companion. The Starbucks by Queens Plaza South will never be the same after we’ve spent so many Tuesday nights huddling inside it. I’m incredibly grateful for her edits, her laughter, and her constant support of myself and my writing.

Paige’s Anecdote: I feel strange being Dalya’s mentor, as she has far more to teach than I do. I was stunned to find out that English is her second language, given the command she demonstrates and maturity in which she writes. Many girls can be talented writers—which she is, no doubt—but she also has the drive to do something great with this gift. Despite our age difference, our senses of humor are identical (unsure what that says about me…), so meeting up at a Starbucks in Long Island City on Tuesdays always feels more like a privilege and less like an obligation.