We Are Not Throwing Away Our Spot
It started with a simple Facebook post in October 2016.
The History of “Histories”
Sue Li always knew she was going to be a writer.
“I’ve been sort of writing my whole life,” she says. “Ever since I was a kid, I was always writing short stories in my notebook.”
Growing up as an only child who emigrated from China into the United States at the age of four, she often visited the library and could always be found with her head in a book—transporting herself to new worlds almost daily. Her frequent library visits also instilled in her a desire to have her own book on the shelf one day. (more…)
Chopin with a Twist
Charles Sanky is more than a medical student—he is a musician. He began his musical start at four years old, playing the piano. Since then, he has furthered his interest in music and has learned multiple instruments including the violin, trumpet, and even the euphonium—which he played during the four years he was a member of Columbia University’s Wind Ensemble—among others. (more…)
A Hunger for More—Powerlifting My Way to the Top
After two and a half years of training and four state competitions, I woke up at 4 am on a brisk October morning to catch my flight to Atlanta for my first USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals. With my squat shoes, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, belt, chalk, and singlet in my gym bag and my laptop and 70 pages of review material for my Structures final exam in my backpack, I set off to LaGuardia Airport. Time until my self-set deadline to take the exam: 16 hours. Time until I would compete: 28 hours. (more…)
From Rio to Med School: A Reflection on Transitioning
My stomach is twisting and my heart is beating rapidly. Feelings of dread and self-doubt overwhelm me.
“We have alignment, attention, GO!” the announcer makes the official starting call. My mind goes blank, and I’m racing toward the finish line 2000 meters away. Under the watchful eye of Cristo Redentor and thousands of spectators and donning my Nigerian uniform, I rowed in the D-final of the Women’s Single Scull event at the Olympic Games.
