Non-Fiction Essays
Welcome to my non-fiction essays collection. Here, you'll find a selection of my most personal and thought-provoking work, published across various online platforms. Click on the title or "Read More" link to access the full essay on the original publication's website.
Why I Froze and Smiled During My Sexual Assault
A powerful essay examining my inability to defend myself during a sexual assault, exploring the neuroscience behind fear response and the need for understanding.
I'm 36 and Just Learned I'm Autistic
A revealing essay about my late autism diagnosis, the struggles of growing up undiagnosed, and embracing my identity to build a more authentic, fulfilling life.
I Was Shamed Into Lying About My Abortion
A courageous essay on my abortion experience, the shame and fear that led to lying about it, and the importance of speaking openly to break the stigma.
I Was Suicidal as a Child, and the Adults Around Me Did Nothing
A personal account of my childhood struggles with suicidal thoughts, emotional abuse, and neglect, and the lifelong battle with obsessive thoughts and suicidal ideation.
From Magic to Homelessness
A poetic exploration of being homeless in Asheville, North Carolina, working as a psychic, and the surreal experiences of living near the castle where Zelda Fitzgerald died.
The Thought Crime of Suicidal Ideation
A personal look at the treatment of suicide patients in mental health care, sharing my own experience and calling for a compassionate, empathetic approach.
Grief in the Time of COVID-19
An insightful essay about collective grief during the pandemic, examining how our lives changed, and advocating for a more empathetic understanding of grief in uncertain times.
Christmas With Nanny
A heartfelt holiday story remembering my beloved grandmother Nanny, her annual Christmas traditions, and her passing in 2016, which brought grief and a new perspective on loss.
Finding the Monster From My Childhood Nightmares
A vulnerable account of my reoccurring childhood nightmare, the realization of its connection to my abuser, and the impact of harmful views on purity and abuse within a religious institution.