SURGE 2020 Issue # 2 Summer

The Zone’s Teen Art & Literary Magazine

summer 2020

i “In the Time of Crisis” by Michelle Qiu

Summer 2020 Editor-in-Chief Sarah Dohrmann Creative Writing Specialist from Teachers & Writers Collaborative

Original Design Melissa Alvey Former Art Therapy Intern Guest Teen Editors Kayla Collins Melanie Herbert Jasmeen Kaur Julia Kostin Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Members

Co-Executive Editors Diane Rode Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Director Asari Beale Executive Director of Teachers & Writers Collaborative

Guest Editor Morgan Stojanowski Youth Advisory Council Facilitator and Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Assistant Director

Founding Editor Russell Mindich Art Directors Christina Auriemma Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator Jaclyn Craig Paws and Play Coordinator and Creative Arts Therapist

Thanks to Russell Mindich and family, and to the staff of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department of the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital 1184 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10029 212-241-6797

Social Media Producers Lu Borges Patient Technology & Media Coordinator and KidZone TV Production Supervisor Mathea Jacobs KidZone TV Manager and Child Life Video Producer

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Teachers & Writers Collaborative 540 President Street, 3rd floor Brooklyn, NY 11215 212-691-6590 twc.org

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

Throughout the issue you’ll hear patients read their poetry or speak about their art. You can also view more artwork!

How? There are 3 ways!

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

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

2. Download any QR code reading app and scan a QR code­by using your phone’s camera.

3. Visit the links in any internet browser.

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

tinyurl.com/mountsinaiSURGE Interested in contributing to our next issue of SURGE? Send creative writing to Sarah Dohrmann, our Editor-in-Chief: sarah.dohrmann@mountsinai.org For art and multimedia submissions, contact Christina Auriemma, our Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator: christina.auriemma@mountsinai.org

tinyurl.com/SURGE-Summer2020

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Table of Contents Scan here for Michelle’s inspiration behind the cover art!

10 Artwork by Kiamaly Cabrera-Ureña 11 “Prison” by Nathaniel Vera 12 Artwork by Emma Feria

tinyurl.com/michellecoverart

14 “The Painter” by Liani Diaz

Cover art by Michelle Qiu

15 “Gentle” by Jade Lugo-Cruz

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SURGE Summer 2020 multimedia playlist

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Table of Contents

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Artwork by Kayla Griffith

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Letter from Christina & Jaclyn, Art Directors

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Reflections from our Youth Advisory Council Members

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Artwork by Jaclyn Craig

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“My Day” by Akila Smith

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“The Things to Love About Life…” by Esmeralda Yanza

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15 Blue painting by Saniya Nightengale 16 Digital artwork by Justin Bellille 17 “Hello Sun” by Justin Bellille 18 “Dealing” by Jasmeen Kaur 19 Artwork by Griffin Schulz 20 Artwork by Christina Auriemma 21 “Hand in Hand” by Kayla Collins 22 “Quarantine Special” by Uriel Solis 23 “Fight the Virus” by Michelle Qiu

Artwork by Esmeralda Yanza

24 “Araiza” by Araiza Johnson

10 “Freedom” by Nathaniel Vera

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25 Artwork by Stephy Dong 26 “Top 5 Best Things About Quarantine” by Kweon Stambaugh 28

“The Connection of Feelings Between Us”

by Jasmeen Kaur

30 Artwork by Morgan Stojanowski 31 “The Rope of Life” by Abdullah Al Maghrabi 32 “Walls” by Uriel Solis 33 “Isolated But Not Alone” by Michelle Qiu

Artwork by Kayla Griffith, 12

34 Artwork by Melanie Herbert 35 “Productivity” by Dr. Laura Hodo 36

“The Act of Creation” by Julia Kostin

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“Game of Life” by Jasmeen Kaur

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Artwork by Griffin Schulz Artwork by David Vargas

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“Mouthful” by Dmitri Derodel

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“Burning Out” by Jasmeen Kaur

Back cover art by Eshanie Henry

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Dear Readers, Welcome to this special edition of SURGE Magazine brought to you by the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at Mount Sinai’s Kravis Children’s Hospital and Teachers & Writers Collaborative (T&W), a New York City literary arts nonprofit that seeks to educate the imagination by offering innovative creative writing programs for young people and adults.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this publication brings to the forefront the varied perspectives and experiences of our collective community, including the voices of several Youth Advisory Council members, pediatric patients, and clinical staff at Mount Sinai Hospital. This collection of meaningful, honest, and thoughtful work reflects the lived experiences of our community during a global pandemic. Of note, facilitated Zoom sessions with the Youth Advisory authors explored common themes of isolation, productivity, and “mixed” emotions.

Special thanks to Diane Rode, Director of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, and Asari Beale, the Executive Director of T&W, for their continued support and guidance as the partnership between Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital and T&W continues.

And special thank you to Morgan Stojanowski for her leadership and for bridging the connection between SURGE and Kravis Children’s Hospital’s Youth Advisory Council.

Christina Auriemma and Jaclyn Craig Art Directors Creative Arts Therapy Coordinators

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Reflections from our Youth Advisory Council Members...

“It was amazing to be a part of this special edition because it allowed me to reflect on my experience of quarantine for the first time, channel out my emotions, and share them with others who understood what I was going through. After engaging in the Zoom groups, the art process, and reflection, I felt a lot better about the state of both the world and myself. Working on this special edition of SURGE Magazine was a great form of catharsis.”

–Julia Kostin “The entire journey of creating art and writing for this special edition of SURGE Magazine was very therapeutic and comforting from my perspective. This difficult journey has helped me realize how much we all are going through this TOGETHER and that we all need to be strong and work hard to see the brighter side. I am very proud that so many beautiful people from different backgrounds were able to work together to bring this special edition to life. This project depicts that we are all human and we all are in this together! This will be a very special memory that I will hold onto forever because who knew that we would live through times like this.”

–Jasmeen Kaur “Creating and collaborating with others in the SURGE design process was an awesome experience. I was able to connect with others and it made me feel as though I wasn’t alone in how I felt during such a strange and uncomfortable time. I was also able to turn my and other patient’s thoughts and emotions into art which was enjoyable and very therapeutic for me.”

–Melanie Herbert

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Artwork by Jaclyn Craig, Paws and Play Coordinator and Creative Arts Therapist

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My Day Akila Smith, 18

No fever, no fever And I am not in pain It seems to me that today Is starting to be a good day Not too hot, not too cold Just nice and warm in my soul I can feel the warmth From my head to my toe No pain, no pressure ’ Cuz today is the day No stress, no problems Hooray!

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The Things to Love About Life…

Esmeralda Yanza, 22

I love to hear the birds chirping in the morning I love to smell the first lobster frites at work I love to see the moonlight as I walk down the streets, how it shines when everything is in dark…the beauty of the moon…

I love to feel the air breeze in my face, making me feel hope of a better day, a day to wake up being happy…

I love to taste fresh croissants, all warm and soft I love the quietness of an early morning I love the lyrics of a love song that make you feel all excited and smiley with the kind of words of love I love to feel the touch of a boyfriend’s hands telling me everything is going to be all right…

I love the laughs of every single person of my family because with them it feels like I’m home I love those first orders that come in at 11am at work where my body is happy to know that it’s time to get busy I love to feel happy with everything I see, hear, or touch…

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Artwork by Esmeralda Yanza, 22

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Freedom Nathaniel Vera, 16 I have messy hair Always wandering around Looking for something People tell me my drawings Are good!

My teachers say I try To get a good grade

Artwork by Kiamaly Cabrera-UreĂąa, 18

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Prison

Nathaniel Vera, 16 I have no weapon Just a shield to protect Caged inside of no way out Everything is a question No way out of the questions How are you doing today?

What do you want?

Of all the life lessons I learned It was from my mother’s death And that is not everything Lasts a long time The only way out of prison Is answering the questions truthfully

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Artwork by Emma Feria, 16 12

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“The Painter” by Liani Diaz, 14

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Gentle

Jade Lugo-Cruz, 15 That I could be this young at this time writing, caring, speaking my mind That I could have this family at this time laughing, sharing love, helping That I could be myself at this time with confidence, courage, and grace To all my friends

Thank you for being there through all my tough times To all my family

Thank you for being my rock when I need it the most To all the strangers

Be kind and you are great I care I love I listen I care I love I listen

Blue painting by Saniya Nightengale, 14 15

Digital artwork by Justin Bellille, 15 16

Hello Sun

Justin Bellille, 15

I wake up in the morning The clouds say hello The sun says hello The light says hello I go to sleep at night The sun says goodbye The light says goodbye I wake up in the morning The sun says hello I say goodbye I close my eyes for the last time The sun says hello

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Dealing Jasmeen Kaur, 14

Couldn’t get out of bed today, Wish the alarm clock would go away.

Who am I? Who am I trying to be?

Am I going to be the happy me?

Living in a fantasy to conceal the reality, Blending in and disguising the misery.

Putting on a facade and smiling all the time, Showing the world that I am exuberant and fine.

The glass of life half full, half filled with emptiness, Only filled to the top with hoax confidence.

No one else can ever tell or know, That I broke like shattered glass a very long time ago.

Being blind about the reality of some people I knew, Being the saddest and leaving the least of clues. d n rea e e sm ! to Ja ealing” n e t D s Li m“ poe her

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tinyurl.com/dealingjasmeenkaur

Artwork by Griffin Schulz, 14

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Artwork by Christina Auriemma, Creative Arts Therapy Coordinator

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Hand in Hand Kayla Collins, 17

Productivity. We all have our own definitions of it and all function differently with or without it.

For me, the way to a great day is effort and efficiency in your goals. When productivity is not a part of the day, boredom, tiredness, procrastination, and unfulfillment are a part of the day. It all goes hand in hand. Current times have stolen my drive to be productive so I am left with a dull day where in the end, I don’t feel accomplished. Now I have no motivation to get anything done because every day is the same. I feel productive when I am checking things off of my to-do list but what is there to do besides stay at home and distract yourself from the scary times we have entered? I have fallen out of a routine that makes me happy and into one that makes me feel disappointed in myself. Why? I have no goals and without goals I have no reason to be productive.

The two go hand in hand. ead yla r a K n to d”!

Liste in Han d “Han

tinyurl.com/handinhandkaylacollins

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Quarantine Special Uriel Solis, 18

Can I get a Purell Martini?

Easy on the aloe, please.

You know what? Make it two.

Are you ready to order?

Yes! As an appetizer we are going to share the closing of schools, with Zoom please and very little homework. I’m allergic to that.

For the main course we’re each gonna have the same thing: Two 14-oz Self-quarantine Specials—well-disinfected please!

You got it!

I think we’re going to move six feet away from these people.

They’re being too noisy.

For dessert we’re going to stop working.

And gain some extra kilos too… And the bill.

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“Fight the Virus” by Michelle Qiu, 17

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Araiza

Araiza Johnson, 14 My name is turquoise. People say “Areeza,” but it’s “Arai-za,” Like the word “rise” but with an “a” on the end.

My dad named me because of his grandmother’s name – Because she was “Araiza” too, or something like that.

Araiza is a Monday morning in August, when the sun Comes out and shines down on the world.

Araiza is the number 6, for the number of letters In it. It’s even like me.

Araiza: fun, respectful, helping people.

Araiza is a sunny day where people are going places, Out to eat.

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Artwork by Stephy Dong, 12 25 25

Top 5 Best Things About Quarantine

Kweon Stambaugh, 14 As a 14-year-old boy, more than anything else, I long to go out and see my friends. To be honest, at first it took me a while to realize what was really happening, but hearing the number of deaths on the news or listening to the stories of my uncle, who is a doctor in the Westchester, New York, area, where the virus hit hardest, has frightened me. Staying at home all day is tough, but I feel like it’s a major risk to even leave my property. I also lose sleep speculating whether this pandemic will destroy my summer of fun.

Yet, I also feel lucky. I get along with my family pretty well and I have recognized that maybe I’ve always been a tad of a homebody. Regardless it was surprising that the adjustment wasn’t very hard. Instead of going out with friends, I watch movies or TV on Saturday nights with my family, without FOMO; something nobody had the time or wherewithal to do before.

But I’m quite optimistic—if we all respect the rules, and stay at home, we will be able to get out of this situation. Without further ado, here are the five best things about quarantine in the life of a teenager.

1. More Time Spent With Family Being at home almost every day, I am always surrounded by my family. They are going through the same thing I am, and I feel that quarantine has naturally brought us all closer. It’s shown us how much we should appreciate the things we have. p 10 ad his To e r n o e e!

Kw uarantin Q Lis ten to t u o b gs A Bes t Thin

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tinyurl/top10kweon

2. Lighter Workload I have had far less scholarly work to do during quarantine. This makes for less stress and an improvement of my grades. Yet due to us not having as much work the last two quarters of the school year, grades will also be weighted differently than the first two quarters.

3. Less Stress Whether it’s with school, friends, etc., life can be stressful. This social isolation has given me time to be by myself with frankly not very much to do. Yet, for me that nothing is a good thing, and it has given me space and time to relax. Less stress makes me feel very active; it also relieves a lot of pressure off of me.

4. More Going Outside I am very fortunate to have over an acre of land to explore and enjoy.

Before quarantine, I stayed inside during most of my free time, on a device or watching TV. I have found how appreciative I am of nature, and my family has even started some projects to make parts of our backyard more accessible. I have started to notice and appreciate life in my yard.

I have observed many birds like blue jays, robins, vultures, and even a blue heron in the pond next to my house. I have also found an insect I’ve never found before, which hatches from the leaves of a boxwood bush and starts out as a little yellow worm. Although small and insignificant to some, these observations are very interesting and cool to me.

5. Ability to Start New Hobbies With this new coming of time, there’s one cool hobby I have picked up.

My little brother and I have started a rock collection. He had already had some in his collection but we have started busting open rocks in our backyard, identifying them and adding every new one we can find. I was happy to find red quartz this weekend.

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“The Connection of Feelings Between Us” by Jasmeen Kaur, 21

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The Rope of Life Abdullah Al Maghrabi, 16

Artwork by Morgan Stojanowski, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Assistant Director 30

There is no sunset without sunrise.

There is no rainbow without rain, and the presence of cold is the result of the absence of heat.

Man’s strife with the beast of the 21st century, Corona, nicknamed Covid-19, who invaded the homelands without a visa ! or a passport, a virus that can’t be seen with the naked eye, which penetrates between airports without a plane, and passes through inspection positions —all this to be a guest to destroy our people.

It’s as if he says, “I am the virus that is not visible to the naked eye. I stopped your wings, no plane flies, nor flights to progress.

I wasn’t satisfied with your air, so I attacked you from the sea.

Where are your ships that were roaming the seas and rivers?

And your soil, your land is not better than your sea.”

But he doesn’t know that he dies from soap and sterilizers, and he doesn’t know that homeland is a small word, but the size of the entire universe, the symbol of human identity, dignity, and pride.

It’s a piece of heart and soul that gives a man a sense of security and tranquility.

Money is temporary, but your country eternally carving my grandfather’s words in my heart.

Among the pages of history are lines of light for those whose bodies are gone and their achievements still.

History doesn’t stop writing at all times, as long as we inhale dreams and exhale effort, we are alive.

Tomorrow we will read lines of what we are now.

So, let us be a hope that tells the effect of the human being: “Once upon a time.”

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Walls Uriel Solis, 18

It’s amazing what four walls can teach you. The mere fact of being locked up made me realize that what I really miss about being free is people. These four walls taught me that it’s people who make being free something special because it’s the people who care about you. It’s the people who make you happy. It’s your family, your friends or your crush who motivates you to give your best all the time. These four walls taught me that a simplest sunbeam can become a great friend and that the moon may be the best company on dark nights. For walls taught me that I can get anywhere just by closing my eyes. These walls even made me realize that I had never cleaned the handles of my door. Can you believe that?

Scan h e Miche re to view m lle’s ar o t work! re of

tinyurl.com/michelleqiuart

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“Isolated But Not Alone” by Michelle Qiu, 17

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Artwork by Melanie Herbert, 17 34

Productivity Dr. Laura Hodo, MD Hospitalist Working from home: weird, Distracting, lonely, not fun‌ Productivity???

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“The Act of Creation” by Julia Kostin, 16

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Mouthful Dmitri Derodel, 17

Combing his fingers through my hair like a bowl of yet-to-be-cooked rice, he tells me I am so sweet.

He sings my name like a grape plucked right from the fridge stem.

It ruptures with glee, a chilled volcano, a halo begging to be devoured.

I moan his and spray chicken stock syllables—at the ceiling fan,

Chec

behind his ears, against his shoulders as he twitches in delight from the taste.

k ou tm Julia ore ar t b here y !

He wraps around me in bed.

His freckled arms are the corduroy jacket of a shawarma, enveloping me like a meaty love letter who can’t tell the difference between saltwater taffy and a good night.

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tinyurl.com/juliakostin

Burning Out

Lis ten to Jasmeen read “Burning Out” here ...

Jasmeen Kaur, 21

I’m drowning in the ashes, The ashes of my burning heart.

Screaming in misery, Of being ripped from the inside towards the out — fully apart.

Feeling the igniting flame,

tinyurl.com/burningoutjkaur

Immersing through my skin as fierce as a dart.

My brain losing activity, productivity and shutting down, As my scarecrow eyes shed tears that fall without any sound.

Lif ame of G “ d n a ...

As I shout, The engulfing flame is burning me

! e” here

inside, burning me out.

Game of Life Jasmeen Kaur, 21

Life, a selfish game

tinyurl.com/gameoflifejkaur

Brings light, yet takes it away The countdown is near.

***Life has been put on a hold and it feels like we are paused within a simulation.

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Artwork by Griffin Schulz, 14 39

View more ar David here t by !

tinyurl.com/davidvargas

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Artwork by David Vargas, 17 41

Artwork by Eshanie Henry, 20

“This special edition depicts that we are all human and we are all in this together!”

–Jasmeen Kaur, Guest Teen Editor and YAC Member xlii