There is this story of a boy who walked along the beach, throwing starfish back into the sea. A man comes up to him, and says, “what in the world are you doing? You know there are thousands of starfish on this beach, there is no way you can throw them all back to the sea, there are too many to make a difference”. The boy smiled and explained, “I know”, as he lifted another starfish from the sand and saved him back into the ocean.


To the dancers and guide who so strongly appreciated and supported my vulnerability
I accredit my courage to share, to you. I would not be here as this without you
You set my boat to sail.

To the man who helped my mom glow even brighter,
the first man to recognize me, and declare it back to my ears
who helped my mom show me what partnership in love is.

To the family who used words I wasn’t ready to wield, who validated before I even knew I needed it.

To the one who helped my positivity grow, who centered kindness and love for all.
You are forever an inspiration to be the best human I can be.

To the open-mic jammer who said you loved to hear me singing and mistaking.
(is it not the same as learning? experimenting)

To the family adjacent young woman who is kind in all your impressive glory
Even in this short time, I look up to you and your grace and persistence.

To the mother who said I didn’t deserve to be treated this way by your baby.

To the TA who applauded my efforts amidst struggle and incompleteness.

To the center that connected, supported, and helped grow my spirituality
To the friends that showed up, that smiled, and welcomed me
To the center that celebrated, shared, and invited glee
I never knew community as sweet as this.
To the spiritual leader who listened, understood, and offered blessing.

To the friend with the mantra
“This is my world, you’re just living in it”
You role modeled self-first when I didn’t know how.

To the supervisor who applauded my efforts and drive amidst my insecurities/self-doubt/self-invalidation
your stories and appreciation drive me when I waiver.

To the mentor who enthusiastically exaggerated your faith in me.

To the rabbi who guided me through phone and the grape vine.

To the rabbi that said, take for yourself a moment of silent rest.

To the friend who offered the deepest and calmest connection.

To my closest musician who encouraged me to learn guitar.

To the professor who asked, “are you okay?”,
even though I was not ready to admit the truth.
Asking was enough.

To the curly girl who complimented my good hair day.

To the mother who says, shows, listens, and learns.

To the grandmother who always loves to welcome.

To the love who called my stretch marks bad ass.

To the advisor who recognized my input of time.

To the preceptor who allowed for my humanity.

To the friend who always shows up.

To the forest that held me as I grew.

To the brother who is always there.

To my first car I wandered in.

To the river, that flowed
When I forgot to.

To all
Who shared
A Conversation
A moment
A blessing
A smile
with me.

You made a difference,
to me.

Thank you.