Tag Archives: Growth

student blogs

Unpacking the Past: Part 1 Interview

​​In this blog I’d like to share my reflections on my interview with my sister. As you may remember from my last post, this interview was a key step in gathering the material I need for this memoir. I’m considering this part 1 of the interview process since I kept it brief and limited our conversation to just an hour to avoid overwhelming either one of us. To be honest, it wasn’t easy. Reliving some of the memories of her accident and the aftermath was incredibly tough, not just for her, but for me as well. It was important to me to approach this gradually, as the subject matter is heavy and emotional.

But despite the heaviness of the conversation, I believe we made it through with a sense of strength and purpose. It was emotional at times, and there were moments when it felt like we might not be able to continue, but we pushed through. There were tears, of course, but there was also a sense of healing in talking openly about what happened.

After reviewing the notes from the interview, I’m feeling optimistic. I believe I have something to work with. The details my sister shared with me will be valuable as I continue to piece together her story and the impact of the accident on both of our lives. It’s going to take time and careful thought but I feel like I’m on the right track.

I’m also reminded that writing about such personal experiences isn’t just about telling a story, it’s about honoring the journey, the pain, and the growth that comes from it. It’s about sharing something that can resonate with others, helping them feel seen and understood, too.

Thank you for reading and following me on this journey. I’m excited to continue working on this memoir and to see where it leads. Stay tuned for more updates.

student blogs

In the homestretch: Navigating the Final Phases of Our Final Group Project

For our final group project, we have all decided to go with writing an anthology based on the many stages of growth in life. In the anthology of our existence, our chapters will stand out as defining moments, each contributing to the rich narrative of our personal stories. One such chapter revolves around the profound experience of my sister’s car accident, a memoir that encapsulates the essence of unyielding faith amid times of uncertainty.

In the grand tapestry of life, uncertainty often takes center stage, demanding resilience and an unwavering belief that everything will unfold like it’s supposed to be. The story unfolds on a fateful night, October 24, 2021, under the sky with stars, and the world is quiet, unaware of the storm that is about to descend upon our lives.

My sister, Denise, finds herself at the center of a catastrophic car accident, an event that would reshape the course of my family’s narrative. As I drive to the scene, the world blurs into a surreal haze, reflecting the emotional turmoil. The hospital waiting room became a battleground of fear and anticipation, and as my parents arrived, the grim reality revealed that Denise was paralyzed from the neck down.

In the anthology of life, such moments stand as pivotal chapters, pushing us to grapple with the fragility of our existence and the unpredictable nature of destiny. The night of the accident transforms into a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. The city lights once blurred in the urgency of fear, now twinkle with a promise of a new beginning. The road ahead, though uncertain, stretches into a horizon of possibilities, echoing the sentiment that everything will unfold as it is supposed to be.

This story will be a moving chapter in our Stages of Growth anthology that mirrors the various stages we navigate, from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. It stands as a testament to the importance of unyielding faith and growth during times of uncertainty, a guiding principle that becomes more profound as we move through the stages of life.

With just one week remaining in the semester, I’m excited for our upcoming Monday class, where we will share our contributions, exchange feedback, and discuss role assignments for the production of our anthology book/website. I’m interested in contributing to the creation of the table of contents page for our class anthology book or the layout of the website, which will serve as a platform to showcase all of our contributions.

See you all on Monday! (: