He’s like a bird in a cage, who’s noticed he has wings,” she says.

How could you not love language…?” I ask.

This is my friend and me talking about a class assignment. I’ve been hearing her complain about writing for over a year now. How difficult it is. How she hates it. Hates the idea of writing so much that her words are starting to echo poems.

I should be the one writing papers. Instead, I’m helping teach children, tomorrow’s future. So noble a cause I don’t need poetry & stories to read and write of my own. Right?

She’s a business major, who really wants to be exploring fashion design.

Life isn’t always fair.

….

And yet, I believe that the obstacles put across our paths are obstacles we can learn from. It’s surviving challenges that make a person stronger. While every day of life might not come with rollercoasters, fireworks, or island vacations, there are moments that add up to a life well-lived.

Like being thanked “for all that you do” by a classroom filled with 7th and 8th graders, who weeks ago were giving you attitude.

Like watching ducks come by the packs to two toddlers learning that some creatures think bread tasty.

Like redeeming your cupcake-making skills by making blueberry muffins with oozing, sweet blueberry.

Like laughing so hard you start to wonder if cameras are watching you be silly.