I decided to focus on bringing awareness to mental health, which is a topic that means a lot to me. I want to bring voice to those who have felt silenced. My work is titled “Begin at the Beginning” because sometimes that is what we have to do. It was also the title of a favorite childhood book of mine.
Intimate
How to be Asian-American
This is a video inspired by an excerpt from my memoir piece. I wanted to create it for the same reason anyone wants to be a writer—to tell a story. More specifically, I want to tell my story. But as the video blossoms into something magical, I realized that in telling my story, I am also telling the stories of many Asian-Americans. This is how to be Asian-American.
Moments Committed to Memory
Junior year was full of me running around to so many different places all over NYC. I was always on the subway, always tired, and always wanting to go home. This year has taught me how to balance my personal life with work, but especially when it comes to family and friends. So this is for them because, without their support, Lord knows I would’ve collapsed by now!
Friends
My multimedia piece, “Friends,” is my way to give back and showcase the amazing values that all of my friends and family have.
To All the Friends I’ve Loved Before
There’s no me without all of you.
The Pink Hijab with Sparkles…I wore Only Once
During the last days of summer vacation, I was watching the television show Teen Wolf when my mother said to me…
Prosody
Prosody has been almost 18 years in the making, the antithesis of the saying, “Write what you know.” I don’t know much about the developmental disorder that both my sister and dad have, but I’ve grown up understanding that the topic of disabilities have been painted in black-and-white for years. The multilayered stigmas that surround it have impacted two of the most important people in my life. Going into this podcast, I wanted to help myself (and others) relate to the experiences of those on the autism spectrum, as well as give voice to those with disabilities and stories that should be heard.
Her
“Her” tells multigenerational female narratives from real young women who shared their thoughts and experiences with me. They talk about their mothers, themselves, their fears, regrets, and hopes. I created a found language audio poem using their interviews to combine their voices and express a piece of what it’s like to be seventeen/eighteen and a young woman navigating changing relationships.
In Flux
You are slowly becoming the person you always wanted to be.
Senjuti Gayen Is
It is a bold thing to acknowledge who you are.
Freedom
Freedom, a simple word, yet with so much meaning. Something that we all yearn for, but not everyone has…
When Life Gives You Half a Lemon
It’s gotta be that a little bit of my actions and a little bit of fate’s help just worked in my favor. And that’s what terrifies me.
Angry
You label me angry because of my nappy hair and oppressed because I choose to cover it…
Better
You deserve so much better than your fears.
Girls
My mother is soft like dandelions and freshly washed sheets.