I want everyone to like me | The Small Things | Hand I was dealt | We're Fools
By Claire Machenhemer | Union, KY
Jeyna Perez | Los Angeles, CA
If I boiled down everything in my life, it would probably fit into 1,728 cubic inches of space. This small box would have little odd things in it, such as pictures of my rather large family, Harry Potter books, a rosary, a tennis racket, eyeliner, and drawings, among other things. These peculiar objects represent the little pieces of me, and compose who I am.
But just who am I? I’ve battled with this question for years, and I admit I’m still finding the answer. But so far I have discovered that I am short, a victim of acne, and nearly legally blind. I have short dark hair that I often dye with home kits and straight teeth that were not given naturally to me. I am insecure, a worrier who cares a little too much about how I am perceived. I am someone who wishes to follow her heart, yet can’t seem to decipher what it wants.
And yet I know I want so much more out of life.
Every day, I smile. I smile in greeting to good friends, when I view my favorite shows, or when I witness something spectacular. I smile when I hear a good joke, or when my day is going by just perfectly. I have the kind of smile that reflects my joy in the things around me and that leaves me open to be hurt.
Although smiling is a simple action, it is a highly influential one. I share my smiles as openly as I can to reach out to others across short distances, to connect in even that small way. I consider smiles to be bridges between people. I flash one every day in hopes that I can receive one in return, and build friendships. Since I haven't yet discovered who I am on my own, perhaps a few friends could help me on the quest. And by connecting with one, two, or hundreds of individuals, maybe then I will discover just how great life can be.
But just who am I? I’ve battled with this question for years, and I admit I’m still finding the answer. But so far I have discovered that I am short, a victim of acne, and nearly legally blind. I have short dark hair that I often dye with home kits and straight teeth that were not given naturally to me. I am insecure, a worrier who cares a little too much about how I am perceived. I am someone who wishes to follow her heart, yet can’t seem to decipher what it wants.
And yet I know I want so much more out of life.
Every day, I smile. I smile in greeting to good friends, when I view my favorite shows, or when I witness something spectacular. I smile when I hear a good joke, or when my day is going by just perfectly. I have the kind of smile that reflects my joy in the things around me and that leaves me open to be hurt.
Although smiling is a simple action, it is a highly influential one. I share my smiles as openly as I can to reach out to others across short distances, to connect in even that small way. I consider smiles to be bridges between people. I flash one every day in hopes that I can receive one in return, and build friendships. Since I haven't yet discovered who I am on my own, perhaps a few friends could help me on the quest. And by connecting with one, two, or hundreds of individuals, maybe then I will discover just how great life can be.
William DuBois | Graphic Designer / Illustrator | Brooklyn, NY
Clare Mulvany | social entrepreneur | Dublin, Ireland
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