A big part of women “taking their place in history” involves them stepping outside their comfort zones and being free to express themselves in a patriarchal society. My poem explores this freedom and the mixed emotions that come with this feminist evolution.
Class of 2020
Flower Crowns
This is a scene from a novel that I’ve been working on forever. Anna is saying goodbye to her best friend—who has died trying to save her—and learning about grief and the past from an older woman.
The Journey
My piece is about my journey traveling across the world to build my confidence in the science world. I was taught to make history in breaking the stereotypes of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
It Runs In My Family
My family means everything to me, so I’m giving back to them when I succeed. This piece reflects me giving back by making them proud, and by rewriting the course of my family history.
exist(ing)
My piece was inspired by an article in ZORA, a publication by and for women of color, entitled “Black Women Are Driving a New R&B Resistance” by Mary Retta. Black women’s identities have been degraded for so long that in attempts to uplift us, we’re portrayed as deities instead of human.
Flicker Out
When I sat down one November evening and stared at the empty Google Doc on my laptop for 15 minutes straight, I knew I was experiencing burnout. Drafting this piece was quite meta: I struggled to write about my struggle to write.
Perfect Woman
In correlation with the theme, this piece was written to show the roles women are often desired to play and to be in.
5 Years From Now
This is what I imagine my life to be like in 5 years. The future makes me nervous because anything can happen but I remain optimistic always.
Hereditary
This poem is a reflection on what being multiracial means to me and how it impacts the space I occupy in the world.
For All the Choices Given to the One Taken
I wrote this piece to emphasize the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. Throughout history, social justice leaders have fought both within the system and against it. In my piece, different women have to make a similar choice in how they choose to fight against discrimination.
The Desert
This poem is about a deeply personal experience I’ve had this year. It’s about feeling bitter, betrayed, and abandoned. And no, it’s not about a romantic relationship.
Serendipity
This is a piece dedicated to some of the closest people of my life, all of whom I had never expected to be so crucial to my personal growth.
Monolid
This piece describes my experience growing up with beauty standards. It highlights my first encounter with eyelid tape and the contrast between East Asian and Western notions of beauty.
In and Out of the Struggle
I tried to be different this year and not make a piece about me or my family but I failed terribly. This piece shows how I am no different from anyone and how I can make my mark in my community by creating awareness of the issues in NYC.
Two Sides
My inspiration for this piece came after having a deep conversation with someone I trust. I came to the realization that there are two different sides to everyone—including myself.