Chapter 1: The Early Struggles

Throughout my childhood, I held onto the belief that I was perfectly fine, a notion that was impossible to uphold. I dealt with prominent dental issues, wore prism glasses, and struggled with balance and athleticism. The only sport I could manage was weightlifting.

When my parents enrolled me in a Summer Camp for the Blind, I quickly realized that everyone there was only legally blind. I hardly encountered anyone who was fully blind. Nevertheless, I clung to the idea that I was superior to them. My self-worth was tied to the fact that my vision was slightly better, which was a rather absurd perspective. For someone who lacked friends and didn’t know how to express daily struggles or emotions to family, this mindset felt like the norm.

It wasn’t until my college years that I began to experience a significant shift. The catalyst? I was dismissed from my Neuroscience program due to poor performance in lab sections—largely because I had only received my first lab partner two weeks before the end of my Chemistry semester. At just 19, my life felt over, and I found myself in tears, seeking comfort from my mother, who urged me to make a change.

This moment marked the start of something remarkable. It wasn’t so much about forming a friendship as it was about experiencing a divine kindness through someone who recognized that life isn’t always just.

I shifted my focus to Theatre and Psychology, and during my first Directing class, I felt invigorated. My search for the ideal One Act play led me to a transformative moment. A classmate gifted me a copy of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me to read. This wasn’t just a fleeting encounter; it felt serendipitous.

Chapter 2: The Transformative Power of Literature

This same classmate later lent me a copy of the One Act play Juvie, which centers on teenage delinquents. Both plays had a profound impact on me, imbuing me with a sense of inner strength. I also explored the history of the Pride movement and the Stonewall Riots, as well as short stories about teenagers facing bullying for their differences. I can’t quite explain how my classmate understood what I needed, but those plays arrived in my life at a crucial moment.

I felt liberated, as if I had escaped from confinement. Although I selected a different One Act play for my project, I wanted this student to direct it. Unfortunately, my advisor rejected that idea, leading me to an even more interesting path.

I decided to focus my thesis on a play about a blind man. Instead of pursuing acting, I shifted to directing—thanks to another classmate who had chosen Children of a Lesser God for her own Acting Thesis. I never communicated the impact of her choice on me, but during auditions, she acknowledged my growth as an actress.

Though I didn’t secure the part I auditioned for, I understood the reasons and was still thrilled to connect with my peers in meaningful performances. I directed a play about a blind man engaging in a casual relationship with his charming neighbor. The actors brought such depth to their roles, reinforcing my belief that pursuing Drama Therapy was the right choice.

At our cast party, the lead actor surprised me with two books by Hermann Hesse. After that night, I never heard from him again, but my heart expanded even further. I had always been passionate about peace and justice, but I finally discovered a community of people facing struggles that felt worlds apart. This newfound understanding was far more impactful than any history lesson.

I realized it was time to not just accept my identity but also acknowledge that I was part of a fractured world, one that required empathy and connection to heal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Writing for a platform like Medium means a lot to me. You can connect with me on YouTube at epfister1001 or on Substack at Bombay522. If you know someone who could use a little encouragement, don’t hesitate to reach out; it can make a significant difference in someone's life.