Hi Allie. Thank you for your great article about low expectations. One of my three grown sons has a high-functioning form of autism. He's almost 25 years old and is in the Honors College at his university. Your writing highlights society's stereotypes and impediments to agency that people with disabilities endure every day. I contributed to a college textbook to prepare future teachers for issues you discuss, further compounded by diversity and immigrant experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I look forward to reading more of your work!

I share my intersectional life to build a kinder civic space. — I took time to grow… I am back after a nearly two-year break from writing. The daily noise of headlines during that time silenced my voice and fired racing fears. Events of recent years, the resulting intolerance and violence seem as if fiery flashes, now threatening to burn our democracy. I know people share my…

I refine my authentic voice alone and share it with others. — I chatted this morning with a friend and fellow writer of color. We updated each other about our lives during pandemic. We shared our surprise at how well our families are doing and the opportunities coming our way, even now. We spoke of our sense of life before. Life before…

Asking where I’m ‘really’ from is about their baggage, not mine. — People often ask me where I’m from. Their tone reveals a focus on my darker complexion as ‘foreign.’ It’s like saying, ‘When are you due?’ to a woman with a larger waist. It’s awkward because we know there’s more to my story (and their curiosity) than meets the eye. …

I find myself in the world of immigrant stories. — I’m the first of my family born in the US, two years after President Johnson signed a law to allow non-European professionals and their families to immigrate to the United States. I’m also a daughter of the Midwest. These needle-and-thread facts shaped my identity and connection to my world. My…

Who matters is about seeing humanity and inclusion. — Concerns about legitimacy are in vogue again. Fortunately, we don’t hear the phrase illegitimate child anymore. We’re more concerned about the legitimacy of entire groups of people, their histories of coming to the US, and their contribution to our society. Social tensions strike fear and shatter confidence in our sense…

I gave birth to my son, who teaches me about life. — My second son was born twenty-three years ago today. His lessons for me have given my life meaning in the way only a child with special needs can. I was his first student, followed by the rest of our family. I’m grateful for the generosity his experience of autism has…

It comes from within and without. — I value authenticity, but I’ve never stopped to think about what it means. I believe that honesty, integrity, vulnerability, humility, and lifelong learning help me live authentically and refine my character. Others will trust me if I give them a reason to do so. They take a chance, and it’s…

My Indian grandmother’s hand-spun hopes guide my path today. — I’ve loved the fragrance of Indian cotton as long as I can remember. My clothes, scarves, and cotton bags I bought over the years emit an evocative scent to this day. My memories of occasions, loved ones, and traditions weave together feelings of love, respect, and strength. This handwoven thread…