There are people out there who don't have the energy to help people get better. They just accept the other person's flaws, and sure, there's less conflict to deal with, but it's almost like living out a lie. Then there are people who aren’t afraid to point out something’s wrong—even something as little as a typo. In the end, you’re making something better, and that’s more than other people are willing to do.

It’s an unfortunate reminder that as much as my community represents the true American Dream—building a foundation out of uncertain hopes and dreams—people like you would rather be ignorant or spread hate than accept this reality.

There's so much in your life that you can't control...So maybe you can use this chance to do something for yourself

I regret many things in life, and I know I’ll regret many more at the rate I’m going.

Some advice. I don't think I would've enjoyed this career as much as I do if it wasn't mine. And what I mean by that is it's something I can claim as my own. If my parents were forcing me to be a physicist, I would not be okay. So do you have something that's yours?

I don't get it, but I`m not supposed to.

I watch her shoulders move as she breathes, until I realize I’ve timed my breathing with hers.

Mediocrity has allowed me to float by without too much pressure or judgement

I find refuge in art, escaping thoughts like this, to regain control when life throws another obstacle my way. When I work, magic happens; for a few hours at a time, the world just slips away.

But in anything you love, isn’t there always some bit of sadness, some essence of suffering? That, to me, is what makes art worth it. Suffer through it—mine the emotions you keep inside yourself, face whatever’s emotionally burdensome, take control of it—then emerge reborn in the end.