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Hands

by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Creative Writing, Experience

I am my hands. The pen marks all around my palms and the side of my fingers signify my love for writing in colorful ink. I refuse to write anything not required in all in black ink, in black ink. The cramps on my hand remind me of the Sundays filled with me playing my clarinet. Each finger has to cover a specific hole for specific notes, or else a squeaking sound will come out of the clarinet. My right thumb is placed under a back-piece of the instrument to support it, leaving my thumb aching. Every time I look at my long nails, I am reminded that I should cut them, but there’s never any time to do so. Between the typing of articles, writing of poems, and carrying of books, there’s no downtime. My hands help me reach for the pencil I’ve dropped for the fiftieth time. I try to catch it in the palm of my hand before it rolls under someone else’s chair.  My hands help me write birthday letters and lengthy paragraphs of encouragement. The end of my thumb and index finger hold the pen and my other fingers support them while the tip of my pen touches the paper. My hands help me comfort a friend in need of emotional support by placing my warm hand over theirs, gently squeezing it. My hands help me excitedly wave to someone I recognize across the hall as I try to gain their attention. My hands help me tightly hug my best friend after a long, tiring day at school. They touch the back of his shirt with a firm grip, giving us both comfort.

Throughout my life, my hands have been there for me. From car accidents to test days to breakups and makeups, my hands have been with me. They are more than a part of my body. They are more than something connected to two of my limbs. My hands are my support. They help me pick myself up after I fall. They remind to relax as I clench and un-clench them in distress. Most importantly, through the support that my hands give me, I can support others.

Write

by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Experience

I love to write.

That’s why English has always been my favorite subject. That’s why I enjoy typing long paragraphs, either motivating or proving a point. That’s why I love both writing and receiving letters.  That’s why I aspire to write a best-seller one day.

I love to write.

I love writing for different reasons, one of which I realized in fifth grade. I remember the family problems going on back home. It was evident to two of my teachers that I was feeling down, despite me denying it every time they asked. Day after day, they’d ask what was wrong. Day after day, I’d reply “nothing”, with a contradicting sad smile. One day, one of my teachers told me, “If you can’t say it, write it.” That’s exactly what I did. After a math lesson, he gave the class free time, but handed me a sheet of copy paper and a pencil. I sat at a table, took a deep breath, and began writing. I wrote, and I wrote, explaining my situation and expressing my concern. I remember drops of tears falling on the paper as I wrote my last sentences. I remember handing both my teachers the letter, nervously waiting for them to finish reading it, and the encouraging words they said afterwards. I remember feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder… Since then, writing has been a coping mechanism. Instead of bottling emotions, I wrote about them.

I love to write.

When I can’t seem to say something out loud, or when I can’t find the right words to say, I write it all out.

When I feel inspired, I take out my pen and paper and jot it all down before I lose my train of thought.

When my friends are seeking advice and encouragement, I send them a lengthy paragraph or two.

When I feel sad, I write about it. When I’m overjoyed, I write about it.

When my best friend’s birthday is a few days away, I sit on the end of my kitchen table, and start writing her annual birthday letter, thanking her and reminiscing on our past adventures.

I love to write.

Writing is one way I can help and inform people. Writing is how I deal with most of my emotions. Writing lifts my spirit.

I love to write because writing is a part of me.

 

 

Skiing Accidents & Reflections

by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Humans of MLEC

“Every year, my family goes skiing. One year, we went skiing at North Carolina Sugar Mountain. It was the first day of the new year, everyone was happy. I wanted to go skiing again. The temperature was a little warm, so they put artificial snow on the mountains. The artificial snow plus the recent rain made the mountain slippery. As I went skiing, I lost control, and fell out of the ski. I landed on my right shoulder, then started to yell. My ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) snapped, my MCL (Medical Collateral Ligament) tore, and I needed a temporary brace and crutches. I remember yelling at a man who was trying to help me because I was in pain. I didn’t get to do surgery until two months later, and that made my legs worse.

Since I couldn’t go up the stairs [when I got back home], I slept on the sofa bed. I thought about how I couldn’t do anything and I was worried that I would never be able to run again… I started to focus on what I wanted to accomplish before something like that happened again… It also made me value my legs.”

– Daniel Garcia, Senior, Health/EMT

Thank You

by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Creative Writing

The boy stands in his dimly lit room, letter in hand, debating whether or not to open it. It’s from his ex-girlfriend, Lilian, who he hadn’t seen in a little over a month. He isn’t quite sure if he’s ready to hear from her, but he knows that nagging “what if” question will bug him if he doesn’t read the letter. With much reluctance, he slowly sits on the edge of his half made, twin sized bed, while staring at the piece of paper with intent. He takes a deep breath, and begins to read.

Dear Devin, 

First, I hope that you’re doing well and on the path of accomplishing many great things. Secondly, I think that you deserve some closure. I know that you tend to place the world’s weight on you shoulder, and blame yourself before others, but what happened wasn’t your fault. Don’t think for a second that you weren’t an amazing boyfriend. You’re caring and respectful and supportive and hilarious. You stuck by me despite of the drama that seems to be embedded in my life. Family problems, physical injuries…Whatever it was, you were there. You’ve helped me master the art of positivity and looking forward. I became a better, a happier person because of you. You have such a big heart, and I love you for that, but I couldn’t bear the thought of you limiting yourself because of me. You were willing to give up the internship you spent your whole high school gearing towards because of the situation with my mom and aunt. I understand that you wanted to be there for me, but you also have to do things for yourself. You deserve it. You always want what’s best for me, and what kind of person would I be if I didn’t do the same? I can use everything that you taught me about finding the silver lining  and not dwelling on the past. I can continue to implement them in my life. That wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for not leaving when things got hard. Thank you for all the good memories we made together. Thank you for those surprise dates and six hour long conversations. Thank you for loving me. 

Sincerely, 

Lily. 

P.S. I’m waiting for the day I go on Instagram or turn on T.V. and hear about all your contributions and achievements.You got this. 

Twins

by Rhobie Toussaint, posted in Humans of MLEC

As I interviewed Ally (left) and Tracy, I learned fun facts such as Tracy’s left handed and Ally’s right handed, and that when they were younger, the pair had the nicknames “Kiki (Tracy) and Kiwi (Ally)”. However, what stood out the most was their bond, which was explained during the interview.

“No matter what, we will always stick by each other. We can’t really go anywhere without each other or it feels empty since we’re literally each other’s half… your twin is your ride or die. Throughout elementary we would hate to be apart and panic if the other one wasn’t there. In middle school it was a bit rough, but we went through it together and our bond is like no other because we love each other so much. We wouldn’t be ourselves without each other…”

Allyson then added, “Even though she’s annoying, she is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Having her as a twin is amazing because it makes us see that we don’t have to face the world alone but together”, concluded Tracy.

-Tracy and Allyson Bojorge, Entrepreneurship/ Financial Services