![I remember learning scales, with Grammie’s delicate hands guiding mine. Even though we always had a slight language barrier — my Chinese was mediocre at best — we understood each other through clefs and measures on the sheet music she gave me.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/piano-3957650_1280-1200x801.jpg)
How playing the piano helped me find myself
By Asha Tallapragada
• June 13, 2024
![While I understand that not having a day off listed on the MCPS calendar can contribute to the lack of knowledge about Eid and Ramadan, being surrounded by people who don’t understand such an important celebration in my life is alienating.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4D0CAEE7-44E3-41B7-A6BA-0734D3316E16-1.jpg)
My experience celebrating an ignored holiday
By Cate Cirivello
• May 1, 2024
![“Minecraft” has become synonymous with childhood in the last decade, and for kids like me, it was both the ultimate creative outlet and the foundation of my earliest friendships.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Video-Games-with-Friends-1200x800.png)
Real friends in a virtual world: My experience with video games
By Ichi Bai
• March 19, 2024
![From my first year away from Albania until today, the surge of pride I feel at the mention of Albania, or the sense of comfort in meeting another Albanian, has yet to subside.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Albania-Graphic-1.png)
Far from Tirana: My experience as an Albanian immigrant
By Dea Rucaj
• February 14, 2024
![I’m glad I burned out of my sport](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Swimming-Graphic.png)
I’m glad I burned out of my sport
By Sonia Weliwitigoda
• February 5, 2024
![My doctor tried to explain to me what the diagnosis meant, but all my 10-year-old self could focus on was the word disorder. “Disorder” meant something was wrong with me.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ADHD2-1200x800.jpg)
How taking the label out of ADHD helped me find myself
By Annie DeLuca
• January 31, 2024
![My earnest reports of “special events” and day-to-day life reflect the innocence and purity of my childhood and allow me to relive these memories.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3257_R0lVIERBTiA2OTMtMDI-e1703086488160-1200x818.jpg)
A journey into journaling: How writing helps me stay motivated for the future
By Yaela Teplinsky
• December 20, 2023
![I was outgoing and flamboyant with my friends, but when I was with family, I reined in my energy and presented a dull shell of myself.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sexuality_Blog-1200x800.jpg)
How embracing my sexuality saved my relationship with my family
By Charlie Martin
• November 15, 2023
![As someone who’s been through it, I can confidently say that things can and will get better.](https://theblackandwhite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Antidepressants_-1200x800.jpg)
“It is worth taking the winding path to recovery”: My journey on antidepressants
By Anonymous
• November 14, 2023
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