This week, the students at the middle school I’m working at have been creating timelines of their short, action-packed lives. I’m not around at the school enough to see all these creative exercises, but I had the chance to help two girls who hadn’t started their timeline. I tried verbally explaining, and that was enough for one of the girls. The other girl remained puzzled, and then I found myself showing her an example by telling her about my milestones as I simultaneously drew the ups and downs of my life.

Then it clicked for her.

…

My life has been more internal than external. I’ve picked up hobbies along that way that reflect that: arts & crafts and writing. Not until the past 5 years, have I received true exposure to the world outside of me. My job and school experience have pushed me to get out of my comfort zone.

I have mixed feeling about people. There’s all shades of ugly… and all shades of beautiful, which is what I’m most looking forward to as the year progresses.