When I Wasn’t at a Cat Cafe in Japan, I Wrote These 11 Stories in 2015
Let me begin by saying that I am fortunate and grateful.
2015 was a year of accomplishment: I was promoted to Managing Editor at DoSomething.org, delivered the commencement address at my former high school, and launched my website. Hooray!
The year also ended in disappointment: Human Parts, which published several of my pieces this year, is shutting down. It’s a shame that we’re losing such an important, unique platform with such a vibrant community of readers and writers. I’d like to thank my editors there, Harris Sockel and Stephanie Georgopulos, who championed and improved my writing, and helped me flourish as a writer and as a person.
Some other people to thank: Kim Li, who designed and built my website. Nancy Lublin and DoSomething.org, who gave me the opportunity to spend a transformative month in Japan. And finally, my friends and family, who always inspire and support my work. I love you guys.
And now, I’ll let my words do the talking. Here are some of my favorite pieces of 2015.
A Tiny Anthology of Five Very Unordinary People (Human Parts)
My most popular story this year. These five people — and their powerful stories — are worth knowing.
This Trio of Stories Is Short, So Read Each One Slowly (Human Parts)
My best story of the year, I think. I didn’t really write it; it just kind of materialized.
“Konnichiwa, Ladies”: I Fell In Love With Japan…but Did It Love Me Back? (DoSomething.org)
On my adventures and shenanigans during a fascinating month of writing and dancing in Fukuoka, Japan.
My Life on Floors (Human Parts)
The most fun I had writing this year. On why I’ve always loved the floor — and why we should all spend more time there.
A Flea Market Operated by Ghosts (Human Parts)
Definitely the weirdest, darkest thing I wrote in 2015. On the bizarre (and magical?) things that happen in the stairwell of my apartment.
Basketball Stories That Have Nothing To Do With Basketball (Human Parts)
On meeting R.L. Stine, drinking alcohol for the first time, and getting shocked by an electric dog collar. They’re all related to basketball, sort of.
How This Teenage Leukemia Patient Almost Lost Her Life…to Texting While Driving (TeenVogue.com)
How this DoSomething.org member survived cancer and a car accident — and how she’s fighting back.
A Wardrobe Comprised of Other People’s Clothing (The Billfold)
On how all my clothes are (kind of) stolen, and why my look is extra in Breakin’ II: Electric Boogaloo meets pregnant woman trapped in a big-and-tall store.
Every Day I’m Hustlin’: 4 Tips to Rock Your Job and Your Side Project at the Same Time (DoSomething.org)
On maintaining the work-life balance — or, more accurately, the work-other work balance. As Ron Swanson said, “Don’t half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.”
Apple Finally Diversified Its Emojis. We Are Pumped Up (and Proud) (DoSomething.org)
How DoSomething.org members fueled the fire to convince Apple that diversity and representation are important, even in emoji form.
Things I Didn’t Do Because I Was Writing This Instead (Human Parts)
Including “Buy size-11 men’s stilettos and break them in for the weekend” and “Save a horse, ride a cowboy.”
Lastly, a resolution: this will be my year of fearlessness and authenticity. I’ll write only things that are honest and fulfilling, and I won’t allow fear of rejection to stand in my way. May you all be fearless and authentic in 2016.
