I built a fortress in the name of being enough. The walls were written and engraved with the names of those I loved. I crafted them with my own hands, spending hours laying foundation, designing mirrors, walls, and art that…

My mom and I are in a high-maintenance, long-distance relationship. She is my life confidante and was the ultimate cheerleader to my wedding year.   She had been watching and praying for this moment her whole life. Charles’ walking into…

When I was applying to college, my parents didn’t loan me money to go away for school. My mom and dad, who have always known what is best for me, decided this wasn’t what they were willing to spend money…

My family was a little upset with me when I went to visit my future in-laws for the first time. According to a rule I knew nothing about until I broke it, I was supposed to meet them with my…

I have struggled with acne for most of my 20’s. I hate talking about it because it truly embarasses me. There are days when I stare at my face for much longer than I should because I genuinely do not…

I have spent most of my life being Miss Congeniality. Five minutes with me and I think it’s safe to say – I am all fun and games, easy going, and love, love, love to laugh. I carry my light…

If you spend five minutes with me, you’ll know that I have the loudest voice in America. I don’t know how to whisper. And in all realms of my life – at home, work, church, school, among friends – I have…

I slept on an air mattress for two months until I finally got the courage to buy a real mattress without my family’s approval. My family was convinced there was no need for furniture because I wouldn’t be in New…

I can’t imagine what it was like for my very Malu family to come to the U.S. and learn how to navigate its systems. Imagine being surrounded by people, languages, and cultures that are nothing like the one you know.…