Something You Can’t Fix

Naomi Weinstein, director of the Center on Addiction and the Family in New York City, explains what you should know if your parent has a substance abuse problem.Q: When is a parent’s alcohol or drug use a problem?A: If the parent’s use is causing problems in your life, that’s a problem.

My Health Is Not Up For Debate

by Sama Daga

“Good morning, Dagas!” Dr. B. exclaimed, greeting my family. My family neurologist, Dr. B, worked with my mother to manage her stress-related migraines around the time I was born, and everyone in our family had grown to trust her. She was always happy, and usually it made me smile too.

Reconnecting with My Mother Tongue

by Anonymous

“What are your classes this year?” my mom asked in Mandarin, a few weeks before 9th grade started.  I showed her my schedule and told her I had biology, one of my favorite science classes. “What is that?”  “It’s.. It’s like a class where you study animals,” I explained in a mix of Mandarin and English.

Transitioning With My Parent

by D.Z.

Names have been changed. When I was little, my family would call me my mother’s daughter. I would request to match outfits any time I could, and often followed my parent around the house in their much-too-big-for-me clothes that I snuck out of their closet.

Listening to Love

by Anonymous

I realized I was unique when I was 4. Everyone else in preschool had two ears, while I had a left ear and a tiny bump on the right side. I didn’t understand why my mom carefully brushed my long hair to hide the little bump.

Remembering Our Ancestors: An Interview With My Aunt Frances Cuevas

by Blonshe Katz

For my aunt Frances Cuevas, justice is the most powerful force in the world. She works full-time as the Director of Investigations and Trials for the NYC Department of Probation to maintain integrity in legal proceedings. Frances also has a highly intensive hobby that takes up most of her free time: genealogy.