Charting My Growth On Paper Plates
My first year I convinced myself I’d always feel like an outlier at Penn. Rejection emails permeated my inaugural fall, voiding me of communities I thought I might belong in. The following semester, I joined Greek life seeking a family, and Camp Kesem seeking a purpose. Spring was occupied by the awkwardness of existing in these clubs but not truly knowing anyone. As I continued to grow as a member of these environments, I believed each step forward was a pity point granted to someone who might never belong. I began to devote most of my time to Camp Kesem—when I was helping kids affected by something much greater, a parent’s cancer, my problems felt small. In fact, I didn’t consider my own self–doubt to be a problem. Luckily, Kesem helped me to realize just how big it was.