The Zone’s Teen Art & Literary Magazine Summer 2022
Artwork by Lauren Burkes-Moore, 19
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Artwork by KaylynnArtwork Jayme, 14by Lauren Burkes-Moore, 19
Summer 2022
Editor-in-Chief
Christina Auriemma Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator
Executive Editor
Diane Rode Director, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department
Founding Editor Russell Mindich
Social Media Producer
Lu Borges KidZone TV / Patient Media Production Supervisor, Patient 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
Guest Teen Editor Dre Ogilvie
Creative Arts Directors
Jaclyn Craig Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator Jasmine Edwards Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator Todd O’Connor Senior Creative Arts Therapy Supervisor Katherine Parker Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator
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 ii Auriemma, our Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator: christina.auriemma@mountsinai.org
Be sure to check out the multimedia files featured in this issue! Throughout this issue you’ll hear contributors read their poetry and play music. You can also 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 codesby using your phone’s camera.
Scan here to view the entire issue online and to view past issues!
Scan this QR code to explore this issue’s entire multimedia playlist!
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Table of Contents Cover art by Lauren Burkes-Moore
12 Artwork by Rashelle Bueno Luna
1 REFLECTIONS Summer 2022 multimedia playlist
13 “La Mariposa” by Rashelle Bueno Luna
2 Table of Contents
14 Artwork by Ashley Rosario
4 Letter from Christina, Editor in Chief
14 QR code featuring video of Ashley’s artwork
4 QR code: Pause and Reflect Playlist
15 “Overthinking” by Ashley Rosario
5 “A Moment That Shaped Me” by Liani Diaz
16 Artwork by Milena Ramirez
6 Letter from Dre, Guest Teen Editor
17 Art Response by Milena Ramirez
8 Artwork by Sofia Kriegel
18 “In This Life” by Estrellita Pacheco
9 “Light” by Milena Ramirez
19 Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo
10 “To My Old Self” by Ashley Rosario
20 Interview with Guest Teen Editor Dre and Jasmine, Music Therapist
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22 “Care with Love” by Diego Lucano 23 Artwork by Emma Pruellage 24 “Funny Soup” by Alana Hernandez 24 Artwork by Alana Hernandez
29 Coloring Page by Natalie Carpio
24 QR code featuring time-lapse wood-working video by Bakary
30 Artwork by Lauren Burkes-Moore 31 Art Response by Lauren Burkes-Moore
25 Artwork by Valeria Vidals
32 Artwork by Ashley Rosario
26 “Story of Snooker” by Arya
33 Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo
26 QR code featuring song by Arya 27 Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo
34 “Inner Voice” by Jasmeen Kaur
28 Interactive Writing Prompt
36 Interactive Writing Prompt
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Dear Readers, Welcome to the Summer 2022 edition of REFLECTIONS magazine, the Zone’s teen art and literary magazine at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. 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 focuses on the theme of miracles and adversities through the varied perspectives and experiences of our collective community, and pediatric patients. This collection of meaningful, honest, and thoughtful work reflects the lived experiences of our teens and young adults during this time. Thank you to our Guest Teen Editor, Dre, for his 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, Creative Arts Therapy Director, for her continued support and guidance in producing this bi-annual publication! elax his R list t t u lay ck o Che efresh p af f! t R and ted by s a e r c
Christina Auriemma Editor-in-Chief Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator
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“A Moment that Shaped Me” by Liani Diaz, 17
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Welcome to the Summer 2022 Edition of REFLECTIONS! Hey my name is O’Neil but people call me Dre. After looking at the art for the magazine and the excerpts, a lot of different things came to mind, but the two things that kept coming back is the miracles and adversities of life and that I’m not alone. Considering that roughly 8 billion people reside on this planet it might sound conceited to say I felt alone in what I was going through but in the midst of the worst of adversities, it’s hard to think someone is going through similar things until you see it. Being able to relate to almost everything in this magazine was a real eye opener and once I got that realization out of the way I could focus on the miracles and adversities of life. Miracles and adversities are like two sides of the same coin. One art piece that defines this theme is the picture depicting a child in the hospital painting her current self. This really stood out to me because if she didn’t have the strength to push through what she was going through, her current self might not be what it is now. There are things that we go through that nobody could really understand and at times it could affect us on a mental level but sometimes you just have to try to stay positive because one day could change your predicament. Keep pushing through and you could break through to your miracle and could look back just like me and wonder how you made it through that adversity; because not everyone could handle what we go through physically and mentally and remain the same or come out a better person. You could look at anything as a miracle; a child hugging their parent to the journey of a butterfly. Life itself is a miracle so you should always fight to live the best one possible. I would keep rambling so I’ll end it with something my Grandma always tells me ever since I was young:
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“Only you know how you feel so don’t let anyone tell you differently. Doctor or not.” Then she would encourage me and say, “You’re the strongest person I know, you’ve done this since birth and throughout your entire life you always come home with a smile on your face and always chase whatever you want without being held back by your condition.” So to whoever reads this, I want you to know that you are strong even at times when you feel like you’re not because after everything you went through you are here. Just push through until you get that miracle.
Dre Ogilvie Guest Teen Editor 7
Artwork by Sofia Kriegel, 14
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Light Milena Ramirez, 20 Did you ever realize what light is really like? Did you ever realize how to cross the room without the light? Do you know who is standing next to you without the light? Close your eyes and try. And then look at the sky and see how blue it is. Look at the smile of your brother’s face. Look at the way your dog tilts their head. And be thankful for every moment of light.
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To my old self... Ashley Rosario, 21
I haven’t spoken to you since 2019, Not because I’m afraid to, but because you no longer serve me. I have this habit of letting things that no longer serve me go, and although the love has never changed, it was time for me to let go of you. It was hard for me to break through. As painful as it is to say it, you were always the key to unlock that door. I always thought it’ll be too late once you realized that, but I just want to say thank you, and although you gave me scars on my body, I fell in love with them overtime. Different shapes and different sizes, reminds me of a painting on a canvas. To my old self, you’re art. & I wish you could see that. The things you are currently crying about right now are the things that made me fall more in love with myself, in other words, with you. But I get it, you’re overwhelmed. Demons attacking you left and right, the voices loud filling my head with fright. I left you behind because I knew you were strong, and although you did some harm on me, I’m proud to say you’ve overcame. Depression was beating you but I wish you could see me now. The happiness and the peace you prayed for, I now get to wake up feeling thankful & grateful. Opening my eyes first thing in the morning feeling blessed to be alive because I’m able to. You’ve almost let those loud voices win.
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To my old self, I wish you could see who you are now, I know you would be proud. At peace & growing at your own pace, because all of a sudden you’ve finally understood that life & growth itself isn’t a race. You’re stuck right now but you will reshape yourself and rewrite a whole new book later off in life. You will laugh at the times that disturbed your peace. You will feel released. Don’t say you won’t when you read this letter because trust me you will. I’m living in your world, just a few years of difference. Pay attention to the feelings and the teachings. Even though I’m here where I am today you still have growing to do. Something I love most about you is that you’re always reshaping yourself & relearning you. You hate staying in one place, you rather water yourself and grow. Remember to be patient with you when you get to where I am today and please go slow. Nothing in nature blooms all year long, we’ll grow as we go. To my old self, I’m finally putting this book down on the shelf. I’m no longer looking back, it’s time for me to find another story to write & read with myself. from me, to me. To my old self.
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Artwork by Rashelle Bueno Luna, 14
“Rainbow” by Liliana Lopez-Vivar, 12 12
La Mariposa Rashelle Bueno Luna, 14
The butterfly will always remember that she was a caterpillar. Always remember where your roots come from. La mariposa siempre recorderar que fue una caterpillar. Siempre recuerde donde vivo tus raices.
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Overthinking Ashley Rosario, 21
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Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 21
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The greatest artist. My favorite painter has to be you, although I’m the artist, but you’re more consistent than me, painting images day & night in my head I no longer wish to see. I feel like I’m trapped, because no matter how far I run away from you, you just don’t stop. & even when I’m out with my friends, you tend to persuade me that I’m worthless. that I’m hard to love, even though deep down I know that I’m worth it. You tend to shut my body down when I need energy the most. You feed thoughts to my heart, hoping you’ll damage it, but I won’t change, I’ll continue to be me. I know you hate hearing that from me. You’re the greatest artist. You’re a painter, a fast one and also the smartest. You sit down next to me to comfort me, but I’m not safe around your space so please get away from me. No, I never deserved that, because I would’ve never did them like that. No, I’m not hard to love, they just didn’t know what true love was. No, he or she is not the same like the rest from my past. No, they’re not here to hurt you, they just want to love you. They’re showing you, I promise you it’s not a mask. No, there’s no one better than me because I have more than just looks. My mind, my soul, is unique, not cold and a rock just like the rest. I feel and I feel, I’m deserving of any good thing that comes next. No, I’m not sensitive, it’s okay to feel. My heart is warm & pure, it’s not made out of steel. Stop painting these pictures, because my art is worth more. No, my scars aren’t ugly, they made me who I am, I had to study life to get to where I am today, they are lovely. No, there’s no one else who’s better, I’m worth billions and trillions, someone else will know how much I’m worth & treat me with care. If you think I’m worthless, imagine you. The only thing you have out to give is images that create fear, so let’s get that clear. Overthinking. Night and day. You’re my daily struggle but I know one day I’ll defeat you. I now have my third eye, I advise you to leave, because you’re not & won’t be the end of me. 15
Artwork by Milena Ramirez, 20
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Art Response Milena Ramirez, 20
“Nature pictures are inspired by my love of light and life, as I lost that light for a few years -I collect all the supplies in our garden, and create something that makes me happy.”
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In This Life Estrellita Pacheco, 18
“When life gives you lemons make lemonade” “ live love laugh” all these sayings mean the same thing, just worded differently. While we are living in this universe we should make as many memories as we can. Explore and do everything and anything. Let the people we love know that we love them. Every obstacle in life teaches us something. In this life I have learned that life is a gift, but I ask myself if life is a gift then why can it be taken away from us? This question lingers in my head all day everyday. I ask the people around me and they all say similar things, “Because that’s how it is, so enjoy what you have”. When people say this my brain wonders and it tells itself “I should listen to them, they have lived longer than I have”. I believe that our brains are like a camera. Where we can capture what we want. Funny moments, sad moments, even recordings (Videos). while we are alive we should love. Love even when you argue with your siblings because they stole a piece of clothing or because they ate the food that you were saving. Love when your mother is cooking and the aroma of the food fills up the whole house. Fall in love. Laugh when people make jokes. When someone whispers in your ear. Laugh when you are crying. Laugh when you trip or when someone else trips (even though it’s not right). Laugh when the atmosphere is awkward. Laugh at the dinner table. Lastly, live. Live through all the sorrows, anger and happiness. In the bad and the good. Live when you are In love. When your significant other makes you feel things you never felt before. Be brave. Tell that boy you like him, eat a container of ice cream. Live with no regrets because one day when we fall into a deep sleep, at least we took life by the hand and ran with it.
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Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo, 12
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Guest Teen Editor
Dre’s Q&A with
Jasmine Edwards Music Therapist
Dre- How did you find music therapy? Jasmine- Actually, from a documentary I watched, that I would recommend to you.. It’s called “The Music Instinct”. And the primary people who created it are Bobby McFerrin and Yo Yo Ma, two very famous musicians. The whole documentary is about the relationship between music, medicine, and the brain. It featured music therapists working in all different settings, how people could use music for wellbeing, and for healing, and I thought that was really interesting. Dre - As a music therapist now, I’m not sure how common it is to have a musically touched patient. Like if you just usually go to a room and just play music while they listen or play music, and they’ll play but not really understand what they’re playing? Or is there ever a moment where you would like, teach the person like, “Hey, this is how you play”? Jasmine- That’s a really good question. Yeah, not everybody is like you who comes in with experience and musical knowledge and such a great ear. The idea behind music therapy is that anybody can participate so you don’t necessarily have to have that knowledge or experience to engage. I definitely believe that music is for everybody and that music is innate. It’s in us when we’re born, we’re born predisposed. Dre- Like my little cousin, before he could talk, he would come by me while I’d be playing my bass or my keyboard and he would always try to play. At times, I’ll get annoyed, like, “get away, you’re just making noise, leave me alone.” But there are times when I’m just like, why not express? Let him engage with it to learn, or, you never know, he might grow up and be like, this is what I’m going to do. Jasmine- Definitely, I think that is true. If you watch little kids, they are drawn to play and move to music. Like, if you put on a beat, I bet you would notice kids just start to naturally move to it. Dre- So your job... is it just playing? Or is it having them play along? Or do you teach them? Jasmine- I think it really depends on the person. I think for some people learning a musical skill can be really valuable in terms of confidence, and also giving them more options for, “how can I express myself?” You know as soon as you learn more chords, you’re like, oh, I have more ways of 20
learning more songs, more feelings I can communicate. Dre- But there was a time in music therapy where Gaby [previous MT] just said, play how you feel. And then I’ll just start playing... I’ll just think of how I’m feeling and gravitate towards those specific keys that I’m feeling. Sometimes it’d be like a happy, jolly song. Sometimes you feel a very dark thing and this is something that you created from you. It’s very fulfilling. Jasmine-That sounds like a really appropriate word. How did you feel after you improvised like that? Dre- Really good. I would have never thought of doing that myself, like just playing how I feel. Even when it was sad, I was just like, what is that? But I feel like that’s a very good method if you come across a patient who has any type of musical experience. It probably can work even without musical experience but it’s a very good way to express yourself, especially in the hospital when you’re sick. Jasmine-Yeah, definitely. Totally agree. Dre- How do you feel working in the hospital? Especially seeing certain kids. Because even at home, when my crisis hits its peak and I have to be rushed to the hospital... a lot of my family members, they can’t just sit there and see me looking the way I look. A lot of them start to cry, or they would have to leave the room. So how is it for you as a music therapist seeing different patients in different states? Jasmine- Wow, that is a very thoughtful question. A really important skill, when you’re learning how to become a therapist is empathy, that you maybe haven’t experienced the same thing as this other person, but you have the capacity to be open and really think deeply about what this other person could be going through. It helps you connect with other people and feel them and be there for them. I think that another part of being a therapist is taking care of yourself too and really being grounded in that it’s an honor to be with and witness somebody and be there for them. I’m really thankful that music is present in the hospital, because it can make a difference, even if it’s just acknowledging that somebody’s going through something really hard. Dre-Music is everywhere in our lives if you really think about it. You get sad, listen to music. You’re unhappy, listen to music. Music is everywhere. A lot of memories hold music so playing a song could even bring back a happy memory to someone and bring light to their sad day. What advice do you have for people that are looking to do something similar to this or do something exactly the same? Jasmine- I think training to be a music therapist can look like training to do lots of other things. I think honestly, what’s helpful is to really stay grounded in, why do I love music? What do I love about music? Is it that I really like teaching other people how to play and introducing them to this world of music, or I like helping them experience music in this different way. Or I like sharing my music with other people, I like being listened to. So I guess that’s my advice, is to stay connected to what you like about music. And then that hopefully can guide how music fits into your life. 21 21
“Care With Love” by Diego Lucano, 18
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Artwork by Emma Pruellage, 15
Funny Soup Alana Hernandez, 12 Ingredients: Laughter Smiles Jokes Happiness I like to eat my funny soup With a big group Maybe I’ll tell you something funny Maybe it’ll be very sunny A scoop of soup And a joke or two Then you will feel Funny too!
’s ar y king k a B or out od-w k o ec ! Ch pse w here a e-l video tim
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Artwork by Valeria Vidals, 14
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Story of Snooker/ Tale of a Tortoise/ Green Ball in the Side Pocket/ How Snooker Got His Name Arya, 18
Once there was a man who left his tortoise on a snooker table As he looked away his tortoise thought it was a ball When he looked back around his tortoise was nowhere to be found He looked left and right but still the tiny green tortoise was nowhere in sight Chorus: Liste origi n to Ar y nal s a ong ’s here !
Green ball in the side pocket A beaming face peeking out of it Little arms and legs sticking out sideways And he didn’t know what to call it Green ball in the side pocket A beaming face peeking out of it Little arms and legs sticking out sideways And that’s how Snooker got his name That’s how Snooker got his name.
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Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo, 12
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Change and transformation happen all the time. Use this page to write or create your own response art while reflecting on the butterfly image.
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e!
rm Colo
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Created by Natalie Carpio, RN
Artwork by Lauren Burkes-Moore, 19 30
Art Response Lauren Burkes-Moore, 19
“Normally when I paint I just go on a whim and see what comes out from a piece or it’s pulled from a literal dream of mine. Those often turn out the best instead of forcing an idea on paper/canvas. For this painting, I was technically reminiscing on a time when I was in the hospital back in 2017/2018. At that time I was extremely sick and I had to relearn how to walk, talk, draw, etc. I remember wanting to see outside the window after being cooped in the room for a long time. I knew it was winter/spring at that time and all I wanted to see were some snow and flowers or even some green leaves peeking through the snow. Now that I think about it, this is kind of a melancholy piece since most of the time flowers don’t often bloom in the snow. So this piece was just like a bit of what I wished to see at that time.”
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Artwork by Ashley Rosario, 21
“My inspiration for my nature artwork comes from my love of parks, flowers and beautiful scenery.”
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Artwork by Giuliana Cannizzo, 12
Inner Voice Jasmeen Kaur, 23
Waking up to the sight of the four walls of the hospital and beeping of the machines, Patients of all ages all around me in the ED. I’m feeling uneasy. Feeling overcrowded, unheard, tormenting pain yet numbness at the same time, I lay on my stretcher looking at the imprinted ceiling. Waiting to get assistance and a hospital bed. Can you hear me? Feeling frozen in time; Seeing nurses, doctors, PA’s pacing back and forth Providing help and guidance to patients in need. When will you come to me? The experience; permanently the same yet also so different, Transitioning from being a child to blossoming into an adult Is not as simple as it seems. Can you hear me? A lot has changed since before. Advocating for oneself is a MUST! If it’s not you, then who should it be? After the extensive wait, I finally get a sense of privacy Receiving all the care of the hospital team; Is it wrong to want to be the center of attention in here? Can you hear me? A sense of time being absent throughout the stay; Waking up for blood draws and going to sleep getting your BP checked. Days pass by until one day, you’re feeling like you can overcome anything. Warm sunlight hitting your face, Wanting to get out of bed and be productive. Even as simple of a job as eating your food can be the biggest accomplishment! 34
Best of all, Seeing your friends, family, and hospital team cheering you on to get better, Gives you all the motivation you need to reset your health. Can you hear me? Day by day, feeling myself restoring back to health Feeling the fuel of vitality coursing through my tiny body Getting back up on my own two feet. The winter frost is almost over. Thinking about all the things I have to do, Once I get back to the reality of life. Feeling a cocktail of emotions, Thrilled, excited, nervous, hopeful, Yet also scared and doubting yourself. Wanting this to be the last time you’re in here, Yet knowing that it’s inevitable to stay away for too long, Just like two magnets stuck together through the force of magnetism. Meditating optimistic thoughts and becoming stronger than ever, Not because you want to, But because you HAVE to – for yourself! Can YOU hear me? Signing my discharge papers, I step out and feel the fresh breeze traveling through my hair The warm sun striking my skin; this time everything felt so light. Spring is here; As if someone pressed “Play” on life again, And upon hearing my own voice, I step out feeling euphoric to resume the random journey of life!
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Use this space to reflect on the theme of miracles and adversities in life. What story, words and/or images come to mind? Let your mind wander free on these pages.
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“ You are strong even at times when you feel like you’re not because after everything you went through you are here. Just push through until you get that miracle.”
—Dre Ogilvie, xxxviii Guest Teen Editor
