REFLECTIONS Fall 2023

Fall 2023 The Zone’s Teen Art & Literary Magazine

by Kelsey Flores, 13

Artwork

Editor-in-Chief

Christina Auriemma

Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator

Executive Editors

Diane Rode

Senior Director, Patient and Family

Centered Care

Morgan Stojanowski

Director, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department

Founding Editor

Russell Mindich

Guest Teen Editor

Rashelle Bueno Luna

Creative Arts Directors

Christina Auriemma

Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator

Shawna Clarke

Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator

Fall 2023

Social Media Producer

Luis Borges

Production Supervisor, KidZone

TV / Patient Media

Patient Gaming and Technology Administrator

Thanks to Russell Mindich and family, and to the staff of the Child

Life and Creative Arts Therapy

Department of Mount Sinai Kravis

Children’s Hospital

Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital

1184 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10029

212-241-6797

mountsinai.org/childlife

*Publication template by Melissa Alvey, former Art Therapy Intern

Interested in contributing to our next issue of REFLECTIONS?

Send creative writing, art, and audio submissions to Christina Auriemma, our Creative Arts

Therapy Coordinator:

christina.auriemma@mountsinai.org

Scan here to view the entire issue online and to view past issues!

Be sure to check out the multimedia files featured in this issue!

Throughout this issue you’ll hear contributors play music and view more artwork!

How? There are 2 ways!

1. Use your smart phone’s camera to scan the QR codes featured on a page.

2. Download any QR code reading app and scan the QR codes by using your phone’s camera.

Scan this QR code to explore this issue’s entire multimedia playlist!

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REFLECTIONS, previously known as SURGE Magazine, provides an outlet for teens within the Mount Sinai community, and the community at large to speak their minds, share their thoughts, and bring their visions to life on each page. This publication takes readers on an emotional journey through ‘Seasons of Courage,’ whether through song, visual art or written work. The next pages will have you traveling on land and through water, facing a “Sea of Pain” or a “Season of Change,” always moving forward. Get ready for what this journey has in store for you.

Thank you to our Guest Teen Editor, Rashelle, for her time and dedication towards the production of this edition of REFLECTIONS and to all the artists and writers for their contributions to the magazine and their involvement within the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

Special thanks to Diane Rode and Morgan Stojanowski, Executive Editors, for their continued support and guidance in producing this bi-annual publication!

Christina Auriemma Editor-in-Chief Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator

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out this Reflect andRefreshplaylist createdbystaff!

Check

Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 22

Welcome to the Fall 2023 Edition of REFLECTIONS!

Hello! My name is Rashelle,

Looking back at my life and the hardships I have encountered further pushes me to achieve my goals. Whether undergoing chemotherapy or coming out of a sterile surgical room, each opposition has been an opportunity for me to grow.

Although people and circumstances can knock you down, your mindset to overcome challenges and keep moving forward helps you become stronger. Hospitals continue to be a part of my daily routine, and as I move forward with my life, I have adapted a growth mindset. One where I can learn from the past and move forward to become a strong and better individual. I am not stuck in my diagnosis. My story and experiences have helped me to grow and mature. As I express certain circumstances can be tough, however, my mindset is to overcome challenges and always keep moving forward. My lessons to share are to never give up, sometimes the hardest battles can make you tougher.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words.

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Rashelle, Reflexionando hacia atrás en mi vida, reconozco que las dificultades que enfrentado me han empujado aun mas a lograr mis objetivos. Ya sea cuando fui sometida a quimioterapia o saliendo de quirófanos estériles, cada oposición ha sido para mí una oportunidad de crecer. Aunque las personas y las circunstancias pueden derribarte, tu mentalidad para superar los desafíos y seguir adelante te ayudan a ser más fuerte. Los hospitales continúan siendo parte de mi rutina diaria y, a medida que avanzo en mi vida, he adoptado una mentalidad de crecimiento.

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Una, donde puedo aprender del pasado y seguir adelante para convertirme en una persona mas fuerte y mejor. No estoy atascada en mi diagnósis. Mi historia y experiencias me han ayudado a crecer y madurar. Como he dicho, ciertas circunstancias pueden ser difíciles, sin embargo, mi mentalidad es superar los desafíos y seguir siempre adelante. Mis lecciones para compartir con ustedes son, nunca deben rendirse, a veces las batallas más difíciles pueden hacerte más fuerte.

Gracias por tomar el tiempo de leer mis palabras.

Rashelle Bueno Luna Guest Teen Editor

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Artwork by Angela Lopez, 15

Art Response

Angela Lopez, 15

“This is a character I created.

She does not have a name yet but is part of a group of friends somewhere in rural Mexico in 1994 that aspire to become professional soccer players.

Many of them also indulge in punk and rock culture and love to hangout and listen to music on the radio after practice.”

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Anxiety

Ashley Rosario, 22

i usually search for monsters under my bed, but never the mirror. my parents always warned me about the outside world. how painful love can be and how quickly people can leave. but when were they ever going to warn me about my imagination and how easy it is to deceive.

how easy it is to self destruct. self destruction.

sometimes it’s what i know best. my mind swallows me whole, when I’m trying my best to escape. drowning and sinking as I’m falling in love with my own thoughts.

but as im feeling and thinking, i continue to make knots. overthinking.

i don’t want you to stay. so please make a fair play.

i try to make room for positive thoughts but you continue to attack me. making me believe that you’re part of me. im tired of fighting.

i look at you and you’re just like me. I breathe and breathe, digging myself into a deeper hole. you’re the shadow i can’t control.

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i wake up there’s a puddle of sweat. anxiety knows what to do best.

it took me the longest to realize I’m a prisoner in my own mind. demons attacking me left and right trying to steal my peace of mind. screaming to god begging him to take you. but the only answer i get is “my child, you’re perfect just the way i made you”. it’s hard to explain why I’m always inside. when anxiety kicks in, i stay trapped inside my mind. i can’t control my emotions, it’s different now. i used to love to be in public now i rather be alone.

what people may think, it’s what I’m afraid of. doctors recommend pills but i try my hardest to ignore the bottle. my best availability is to make art out of what I’m trying to get out of. anxiety & overthinking; just give up.

Im tired of fighting but I’ll continue to defeat you. when the days seem impossible to live through and to breathe, i promise I’ll find a way.

i’m worthy of all the peace that comes my way. I’ve always looked for monsters under my bed, not my mirror. i analyzed my reflection as you were next to me. i won’t let you to take over, you’re dead to me.

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Artwork by Rashelle Bueno Luna, 15

Art Response

Rashelle Bueno Luna, 15

My painting depicts the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty. The character is known for being friendly and bubbly, a real social butterfly.

For me, when things get tough, Hello Kitty serves as a cheerful reminder, an escape who brings with them a brightness and carefreeness.

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Artwork by Isabela Bueno, 15

Art Response

Isabela Bueno, 15

“When a moment of emotion hits, it hits people in different forms. For me it hit hard when my hospital arrival turned into a nightstay. I saw this moment as a block of emotion that was added on to the emotions I was feeling already. With an unexpected death of a loved one and the need to also get back on my feet for school and then came the hospital stay. I felt like my emotions began growing like fire. Although I didn’t show it, I felt it, and I felt stuck like I was stuck in a bubble. This is what I tried to show in the artwork; stuck in my bubble of emotion that I could not see who I am, that I am puzzled by the events in my life, but everything around me is still going.”

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Listen to Lauren’s originalsonghere!

Artwork by Emily Villavicencio, 17

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Artwork by Emily Villavicencio, 17

Playdate at Sinai

Lauren Calvo, 14

Wake up in the morning

Gotta get ready to go

I’m feeling a little nervous

But I know that I’m a pro

Grab my bag from the closet

Pack the things that make me feel good

Knowing that I can do this

So come on now let’s go

I’m on my way to my playdate

But there’s so much unknown

I’m looking out the window

With the music in my ears

Not wanting to do this

But I have to face my fears

I’m going on a play date

Gonna sing some songs

I’m going on a playdate

Gonna see the facility dog

I’m going on a play date

Gonna do some arts and crafts

I’m going on a playdate

The teacher will help me with math

Walking through the door

Everyone’s so friendly

So many familiar faces

My playdate’s about to begin

I get to pet Professor

And he melts my heart

I get to belt some Taylor Swift

And feel like a pop star

I’m going on a playdate

Gonna sing some songs

I’m going on a play date

Gonna see the facility dog

I’m going on a playdate

Gonna do some arts and crafts

I’m going on a play date

The teacher will help me with math

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Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 22

The Change In Seasons

Tyanna Tolbert, 21

When I think of seasons, I think of change. You get to experience a different form of weather, where it rains more here and the sun shines there. Where the leaves turn from green, to yellow to nonexistent. You get to experiment with different clothes, you can wear your shorts and sandals. Soon you’ll pull out your thermal pads and scarves. You do activities you couldn’t do when seasons change as well, swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

When I think of seasons of change, I think of growth. You mature and gain wisdom. You learn a new vocabulary and how to adapt to new situations. You meet new people and new people learn from your creativity. You show strength and courage when faced against obstacles. Is there a difference between the wording? Think of seasons and the form of changing.

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A Sea of Pain

Mila Kaufman, 9

After a sea of pain and corruption, it is hard to see the warm sun, radiating with hope.

The overwhelming sea constantly moving, not stopping for anything, anyone, you are not part of this cycle, but maybe you are, just you are not part of the erce waves, you are that little boat, rocking and jostling in the waves, threatening to tip over. Yet that little boat will eventually hit land.

The overwhelming sea constantly moving, not stopping for anything, anyone, you are not part of this cycle, but maybe you are, just you are not part of the fierce waves, you are that little boat, rocking and jostling in the waves, threatening to tip over. Yet that little boat will eventually hit land. The warm sun that has been the hope of our ancestors, the warm sun that has always reminded us that despite how high the tides rise, the tide will always sweep away the pain of our past and leave behind the life we have in the future. The warm sun that reminds us that our bad memories, and our hopes and dreams fall in the same lifetime.

The warm sun that has been the hope of our ancestors, the warm sun that has always reminded us that despite how high the tides rise, the tide will always sweep away the pain of our past and leave behind the life we have in the future.

The warm sun that reminds us that our bad memories, and our hopes and dreams fall in the same lifetime.

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A

se of pai Mil Kaufma

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Artwork by Mila Kaufman, 9

GuestTeenEditor

Rashelle’s Q&A with Shawna Clarke

Art Therapist

Rashelle- What inspired you to pursue a career in Art Therapy?

Shawna- This question has a special place in my heart! I chose to become an Art Therapist because I believe in the power of creative expression as a means to bridge communication gaps. When words fail to convey our emotions and thoughts, art allows us to process our feelings in a deeply profound and therapeutic way. Whether it’s through movement, music, or art, creative expression offers a unique and healing outlet to navigate overwhelming emotions.

Rashelle- What led you to choose Art Therapy over other mental health professions?

Shawna- Amidst the numerous ways to support mental health, I gravitated towards Art Therapy due to my love for art and creativity. I believe that engaging in creative activities can gently encourage individuals to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. The freedom of expression through art provides a beautiful alternative to conventional therapy methods, allowing people to explore and enjoy something they love while simultaneously benefiting their mental well-being.

Rashelle- What are the benefits of Art Therapy?

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Shawna- I’m glad you asked! Art Therapy holds a plethora of benefits not just in hospitals but across various settings. In a hospital environment, it serves as an excellent coping mechanism and an engaging distraction from the challenges of hospitalization. It can become a tool for processing emotions, delving into our subconscious, and gaining insights into our inner world. Moreover, Art Therapy has been proven to aid in pain management, making it an incredibly versatile and effective therapeutic approach.

Rashelle- Is artistic skill a prerequisite for participating in Art Therapy?

Shawna- Absolutely not! Engaging in Art Therapy requires no artistic expertise whatsoever. Everyone, regardless of their artistic abilities, can benefit from this form of therapy. It’s about the process of creation and self-expression, not the end result. So, no skills are required, just an openness to explore and express oneself.

Shawna- What advice would you offer to someone just beginning to cope with their hospitalization?

Rashelle- To anyone going through a similar experience, I would advise looking for the silver lining and remembering that they are not alone. Hospitalization can be challenging, but finding small moments of joy and support from loved ones or engaging in activities like Art Therapy can make a difference in one’s journey towards healing and recovery.

Rashelle- Are you more inclined towards cats or dogs?

Shawna- Although I have always been a devoted dog person, I must admit that I’m gradually warming up to cats. How about you? Are you fonder of cats or dogs?

Rashelle- I like cats and dogs but I like cats more.

Rashelle- If you possessed a superpower, would you embrace the role of a hero or a villain, and what ability would you choose?

Shawna- What a thought-provoking question! While I’ve always envisioned myself as a superhero, I’ve recently pondered the intriguing possibilities of being a super villain. However, in my heart, I’d still choose to be a hero. As for my power, I’d wish for the ability to spread happiness effortlessly. There’s nothing more rewarding than brightening someone’s day and bringing smiles to their faces - a power that I’d cherish using for the greater good.

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Artwork by Kelsey Flores, 13

Art Response

Kelsey Flores, 13

Doing a collage is like collecting thoughts and putting them all together, but instead it’s with beautiful pictures. Pink flowers is a meaning of happiness, gentleness. Happiness is something we should all have. Pink has a meaning of sweetness and healthiness.

“To nourish your is to cherish it with cheerfulness and positive. Maintain spiritual health and give more love to others.”

-CarmenPatriciaRamirez,Kelsey’sMom

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ArtworkbyGiulianaCannizzo,14

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“Puppy

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Love” by Emily Chen, 15

Use this page to write or create your own response art while reflecting on a moment of courage.

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29 CreatedbyNatalieCarpio,RN Color me!

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Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 21 Artwork by Tyshon Strickland, 15

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View Elizabeth’s art slideshow here! Artwork by Elizabeth Hernandez, 15

Art Response

Veronica Bandur-Rosen, 16

I started making the flower and the pyramid because I was feeling really bored and wanted to do something interesting and creative. I saw the empty medicine bottles and thought they were adorable. My nurse and I together made a pyramid and a flower. They remind me of the good parts of being here. At times, it can get lonely and sad here because this always happens to me. Then I remember that there are people here, I’ve grown up here, and a lot of these people I’ve known for so long. They have become my second family.

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Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo,

Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 22

Artwork by Katherine Cordon, 14 35

Use this space to reflect on the theme of seasons of courage.

What story, words and/or images come to mind? Let your mind wander free on these pages.

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xxxviii

“Mylessonstosharearetonevergiveup,sometimes thehardestbattlescanmakeyoutougher.”

—Rashelle Bueno Luna, Guest Teen Editor

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REFLECTIONS Fall 2023

Table of Contents

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Fall 2023 Edition of REFLECTIONS!

Art Response

Anxiety

Art Response

Art Response

Playdate at Sinai

The Change In Seasons

A Sea of Pain

GuestTeenEditor

Rashelle’s Q&A with Shawna Clarke

Art Therapist

Art Response

Art Response