Public Ponder

Autistic and Young: Why Does Diego Look So Young?

My son Diego (autistic and intellectually disabled) turned 30 on 13 January 2024. Just a week prior, my friend Liz came to visit from California and we went to the Whitney Museum, where the ticket person...Read More →

Life Lessons from Astonishing Women Wiser and Perhaps Older Than You

At a restaurant a few months ago, my husband’s friend Andres brought up a podcast he was loving called Wiser Than Me, where, he explained, Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews famous older women like Jane...Read More →

The Magic of Books: A Bit of Inspiration for 2024

I know of a gifted man who has a “book-a-day” habit. I’m envious. Assuming our lifespans are equal, he’ll get to thousands more books than me. He’ll experience the wonder of finding his very own feelings...Read More →

New Year Mantras: Faith, Water and Neighbors

To wrap up the year on a very bright note, I went hiking with my sisters Rosanna and Sandra today. As usual, we talked about everything, including the future, which today meant 2024, the New Year. At ...Read More →

Why I Resigned from My Special Education Teacher Job

Here's my life-changing decision of 2023: I resigned from my job as a special education teacher in November. I was a teacher for 17+ years. It wasn't ideal that I left midyear, but when you know, you know,...Read More →

Menopause: What’s the Big Deal?

It’s official. After counting the months between periods for well over two years, I can confidently announce that I hit menopause. I can give away my remaining tampons and pads and stop using birth...Read More →

Gratitude List: Why I’m Grateful to Be a U.S. Citizen

Disclaimer: It will never feel right to type “I’m an American” -even though I sometimes say it. Fact: I’ve always been an American, only from South America (Venezuela specifically), just like any U.S....Read More →

Why Do I Have a Problem With Mental Disorder Labels When They Bring So Many Benefits?

When my son Diego was little, his autism label memorably got us a disability pass at Disney World with magical line-skipping powers. Currently, labels give him access to Department of Developmental...Read More →

Embarrassing but True: I Want to Be an Influencer

Here's something I've decided to be forward about: I aim to be the most prominent influencer I can possibly be. I know it sounds arrogant and silly. I’m no celebrity or fashionista, nor do I have...Read More →

What Do Teachers Really Do in Summer?

There's a widely held belief that the greatest perk of being a teacher is the long summer vacation. I'm a teacher and I agree. By perk, I mean tangible, measurable compensation: pay, health insurance,...Read More →