School at Malcolm X is always interesting because of the culture and age differences. I’ve never experienced the typical “university life,” but I have a feeling this is so much better for me. I’m learning way beyond the textbook.

Tonight I attended my speech class. I was so stressed this week after getting back from Florida because I had catching up to do from missing my first week of classes. Luckily, Professor Forsberg is a charming older lady that grew up as a child actress. We get each other. For today we had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech introducing ourselves. Pie.

Going in, I thought I had a pretty interesting life story. I prepared to tell everyone about my life growing up in rural Kansas, getting out and traveling, moving to Chicago to be a nanny, and some future plans (that hopefully involve sailing*). I know I’m unique and I’m not doubting it, but listening to all the stories from my peers was so humbling.

Sergie from Haiti moved here when she was 33, divorced, and now lives in the city by herself. Anna from Poland finished school with an finance degree, moved to America, then decided she wanted to go back and be a respiratory therapist. Lorrina has a neurological disorder called dystonia that causes her neck and arms to twist uncontrollably. That’s when I lost it.

She said doctors told her mom to put her in a nursing home because of her disorder, but her mother refused. The support her family has given her gives her hope that she can achieve her dreams no matter what. It was so hard for her to get through the speech because she was so nervous and her involuntary movements. She cried when she talked about her family. Lorrina revealed she still has hope that her disease will be cured, even though doctors say it can’t. She received a standing ovation from the class. I was weeping when she finished; Lorrina touched my heart.