avatarJS Adam

Summary

Jay, an editor at ILLUMINATION, shares a curated list of 10 articles that resonated with them, touching on themes of body positivity, personal growth, cultural experiences, and authenticity.

Abstract

In their first editor's choice selection, Jay introduces readers to a diverse range of articles that have made a significant impact on them during their initial 15 days at ILLUMINATION. These pieces cover a variety of topics, including the influence of media on body image, personal anecdotes from travels in Egypt, the therapeutic aspects of sewing, innovative writing techniques, cultural reflections on immigration, and the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. Jay expresses gratitude to the authors for their contributions and highlights the supportive and global nature of the ILLUMINATION team.

Opinions

  • Jay expresses a deep appreciation for Ali Hall's article on body-image positivity, emphasizing its necessity in a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards.
  • Wendy S. Bradfield's depiction of a life-changing hike in Sinai evokes nostalgia and a special connection for Jay, who holds the region close to their heart.
  • Kristle Chester's creative piece on sewing and perfectionism strikes a chord with Jay, who finds the story both sweet and powerful.
  • Justiss Goode's writing hack is not only acknowledged by Jay but is also something they plan to incorporate into their personal and homeschooling writing practices.
  • Bond Wang's narrative about fried chicken is so vivid that Jay claims to have smelled it while reading, showcasing the author's evocative storytelling.
  • Mehak Anjum Siddiquei's reflection on immigration and the shared experience of being an immigrant resonates with Jay, who recognizes the pain and unfairness prevalent in the world.
  • MJ Adia's account of their experience with language and identity in the Middle East and Peru prompts Jay to recall their own encounter with linguistic discrimination.
  • Laila Jewayni's portrayal of the Afghan struggle is shared with Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, both enjoying the poignant narrative that captures the essence of the Afghan diaspora.
  • G Correia's story of workplace racism in the UK resonates with Jay's husband's experiences, highlighting the pervasive nature of racism regardless of location or form.
  • Tavian Jean-Pierre's piece on authenticity and the pressures of conformity echoes Jay's personal struggles, reinforcing the importance of embracing one's true self.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

10 Pieces I Enjoyed Reading and Editing by Our Illuminators

My firstest editor’s choice ever!

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV from Pexels

**clearing throat** …Mic check — check!

Hi…*ahem* hi there, this is Jay, one of the editors at ILLUMINATION. Some of you might already know me. If not, hi? :-)

It’s been 15 days since I joined ILLUMINATION as an editor. So far, I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This is a supportive team with citizens of the world from all over the world. What else can I say? Check out this new initiative! That’s my boss and his gang! **group hug**

No, we don’t have an on-site gym, restaurant, laundry services or a massage chair in every corner of our Slack rooms. But it’s one of the best teams I have ever worked with. Why wasn’t this on my bucket list?

Image by author

Enough of the lovey dovey stuff — hope you’re still with me. Here’s what I’ve hand-picked for you this week. I loved many pieces but could only fit 10 in my basket. Sowwie! *heart*

Ali Hall’s article has body-image positivity all over it. Well needed in a time when girls are bombarded daily with images of fake, photoshopped or plastified female bodies. Thank you.

Wendy S. Bradfield’s piece brought back some beautiful images I have of Egypt. This particular region has a special place in my heart and she was able to illustrate beautifully with her journey through the mountains. Thank you.

Kristle Chester’s piece is creative, sweet and powerful. You know Kristle, someone once asked me to sew them a skirt. I wish I had known you, it would have saved me a lot of explaining :-)

Thank you.

Justiss Goode’s piece dragged me right into a detective scene on a TV show. By the way, my children and I have decided to use your tip for their homeschool work, as will I. Thank you.

Bond Wang’s story made me read this a few times before it was published. I could smell fried chicken while reading. Yes, it’s weird — I can be weird! :-)

Thank you.

Mehak Anjum Siddiquei’s piece deserves to be read. As she says in her story, there’s so much pain and unfairness in this world. We often forget that each and every one of us is an immigrant somewhere down our lineage.

Thank you.

MJ Adia’s piece reminded me of the time when I was asked not to speak proper Arabic in the Middle-East. Otherwise they would treat me like trash *face palm*

Thank you.

Laila Jewayni’s storyis a well illustrated image of the struggle of Afghanistan and the Afghani diaspore. I shared it with Dr. Mehmet Yildiz right after I published it. We both enjoyed reading it. Thank you.

G Correia’s story reminded me of my husband’s struggle in some of the workplaces. Though racism in the UK has a different look but it’s just as ugly. Thank you.

Tavian Jean-Pierre’s piece resonated with me and probably will with many of you.

It reminded me of my own struggle as a kid, being the only girl at school who didn’t like pink. When I chose to be myself I never heard the end of it. I decided to fit in and say I liked pink. No one wants to be left out.

Thank you.

That's it for now.

Thank you for staying around. Until next time, be kind.

Jay

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