Katie Chwalik

I felt like I should not, and could not, enjoy certain things.

I have often thought back on my choice to enter teaching and why I chose not to take the risk to move to New York City and try to make it.

Science fiction has been a source of imagination and possibilities since its beginnings. It’s true that reading makes us more empathetic, and if you want more than just a beach read, turning to science fiction is a great alternative.

I thought I was getting boring, but thanks to some of my favorite “weird” girls on TV, I began to accept who I was and to truly like my characteristics.

There’s something powerful in reading stories about other women who embody characteristics you want for yourself, or teach you that it’s okay to be the things you want to be.

If I’ve learned anything from this story and from YA in general, it’s that sympathy is a very easy thing to feel when you have someone’s best interest at heart.