As recent grads are feverishly packing to move into their new college dorms, a common fear that unites them all is impending homesickness. Homesickness, or culture shock, is something nothing can prepare you for. The reason is that it’s almost impossible to pinpoint one thing…
Once upon an average high school day, I was in the elevator on my way to class. At the elevators second stop, I noticed a teacher step in. As the elevator door closed, I realized that he was looking at me. I tried to be…
Imagine waking up and being congratulated for drinking your morning coffee. Sounds weird right? Well this is something that has become all too familiar for people with disabilities. Recently, I watched Stella Young’s TED Talk in which she reflects on how disabled people are objectified…
Imagine if your parents told you that you were moving away from your hometown and all your friends. While getting ready to go off to college, I realized that soon I will be moving to Syracuse University, somewhere where I don’t yet have any friends….
Along with the closing school year and climbing spring temperatures came a day that would change my life forever (dramatic, but true.) Cheer tryouts were just around the corner. Being a gymnast my entire life, I had already achieved the athleticism required to be a…
Did you know that Netflix’s Thirteen Reasons Why is scheduled to release its third season this coming spring? The popular show addresses a lot of big issues among teens like bullying, depression, sexual assault and suicide. While this show is a hit with many teens…
Overlooking the fog that covered the peaks of the most diverse and green mountains, it hit me that I was in Costa Rica. I found myself in a lodge full of unfamiliar faces that would share the next 3 weeks immersing in Costa Rica’s culture,…
Hello Teen Speak! Earlier this year I was diagnosed with OHVIRA (Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anatomy) — at least we have a nice sounding acronym 🙂 Essentially having OHVIRA means that your anatomy is a bit different in a few areas. First of all,…
When I was just 16 years old, I was told that I would never be able to carry a child and I would need treatment to have intimate relationships. I am one of the 1 in 5,000 women born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome, MRKH for short….
In the present political climate, it can be hard to avoid discussing the latest scandal. If your political leanings differ from your parents’, it can make for awkward conversation at the dinner table, especially when it comes to hot-button topics such as gender, sexuality, and…