mstraub

Autumnal Shifts

In this reflection, I can see myself. The veins on my arm, the ruffles on my forehead, my coifed hair, and my misshapen left ear. I can also see everything that...
Read more

In this reflection, I can see myself. The veins on my arm, the ruffles on my forehead, my coifed hair, and my misshapen left ear. I can also see everything that made me in to that person. The ferry leaving Havana, New York Harbor, and my ancestor’s farm in White Plains are all in that photograph. I can see my grandparents riding bicycles in Coney Island, my grandfather patrolling Bavaria, and my parents meeting over chicken wings. I can see the Adirondack Mountains, my first track meet, and all of my teachers. I can see my exchange partner Finn, the Binnenalster, and the River Elbe. I can see my mentor, beaming as I told him of my success with solar cells. I can see thousands of data points, and I can see every person who has gotten me to where I am today. This photograph is who I am, and I cannot wait to see what future sits in the viewfinder.
Read less