Echoes of Inquiry: A Reflection on Humanity
Find more of my poetry on my YouTube Channel and on this blog.
College Autism Summit
The Casio Lab and Wallace Lab booth at last month's college autism summit.
Both labs study Sensory System in Autism.
In layman's terms, the 2 labs study the internal and external sensory system respectively
The top photo shows Will doing the Rubber Hand Illusion with a conference attendee.
Carbo the touch robot is used to study touch amongst other things.
Inclusivity Mindset
Inclusivity isn’t a box to be checked, it’s a mindset to be embraced. Let’s approach each day, each decision, with the intent to foster spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued - Victor Pineda
Mixtape of Ambivalent Moods
(Verse 1)
In the morning light, I rise with a grin
In the morning light, I rise with a grin
Feelin' good vibes, let the day begin
But tired eyes weigh heavy, my mood starts to bend
Ambivalence kicks in, it's a battle to comprehend,
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, tunes of joy and sorrow
Embracing the heat, a new track to borrow
(Verse 2)
(Verse 2)
Hot day on the horizon, the sun's gonna blaze
Yet my energy wavers in unpredictable ways
Between feeling alive and the need to rest
Ambivalent heartbeats in my chest, a daily test
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, melodies in the sun's glow
Balancing today, uncertain where I'll go,
(Verse 3)
(Verse 3)
The heatwaves ripple, my mind's in a haze
Ambivalence lingers in these summer days
Feelin' good, feelin' tired, it's a delicate dance
In this ever-changing moment, I find my balance,
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, rhythms in the summer air
With each rise and fall, I'll meet life's dare.
Alexithymia and Interoception
Alexithymia and interoception are intertwined aspects of emotional processing, yet they represent different dimensions of self-awareness.
Alexithymia characterizes individuals who struggle to recognize and articulate their emotions, often leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and emotional expression. On the other hand, interoception pertains to the awareness of internal bodily sensations, providing individuals with valuable information about their emotional states.
The ability to accurately interpret these internal cues is essential for emotional regulation and understanding. In the context of alexithymia, impaired interoceptive awareness can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals, making it harder for them to connect their emotional experiences with physiological responses. Consequently, addressing both alexithymia and interoception is crucial in enhancing emotional intelligence and overall well-being.
And yes, both are issues seen in autism.
The Bystander Effect
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1006050.
This was interesting. we always think that autistics being less susceptible to illusions (McGurk etc), and therefore less capable of multisensory intergration, and this must be a deficit (negative) in the context of social interaction and society. Turns out that it is a positive for society when in comes down to fundamentals of basic humanity and compassion and helpfulness. (Less susceptible to bystander effect too.)
What is the Bystander Effect:
The bystander effect is a social phenomenon in which individuals are less likely to offer help or intervene in an emergency situation when others are present. The presence of other people creates a diffusion of responsibility, leading individuals to assume that someone else will take action, resulting in reduced likelihood of any single person helping. This effect underscores the importance of social influence and diffusion of responsibility in decision-making during emergencies or situations where help is neededContemplation
The purpose of human existence is to seek meaning in the mysteries of life. - Hari Srinivasan
PD Soros Fall Conference
A memorable, emotional and absolutely enjoyable Fall Conference in New York last week with an amazing group of fellow students.
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy (alum of the very first batch) was the keynote speaker. What a moving and brilliant keynote on the increasing loneliness in the US and the importance of social connection.
Some remarkable team building exercises, interesting outings, topped off with a deep dive interview by a 2022 fellow with the 94 year old (and going strong) Daisy Soros during the closing session.
And happy 25 years to PD Soros Fellowship.
A poem written for Daisy Soros and presented at the closing event.
Background Introduction
This poem, "Aria of Aspirations," is an operatic ode dedicated to Daisy Soros and the late Paul Soros. Intermingled within this lyrical tapestry are cultural foreign language phrases contributed by the 2022 Fellows, epitomizing our global community bound together by shared dreams, aspirations and values. We celebrate individual stories, individual abilities and disabilities, while acknowledging the collective. The verses resonate with the unity, mentorship, and deep bonds fostered over the past year, all set against the backdrop of Verdi — a notable favorite of Daisy’s along with a nod to Daisy's cherished song, "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf.Of course, the poem is more inspired by the essence of the flow of a Verdi opera rather than a strict structural representation of one. For instance, the introduction with the dawn’s first light sets the stage much like an overture or prelude. The subsequent verses describe various scenes, reminiscent of arias and ensemble pieces in an opera. As we traverse from one stanza to the next, we also journey through the cultural and operatic art forms reflecting the diversity and richness of each of the 2022 Fellow’s countries of origin. Only the heritage countries of the 2022 Fellows are referenced. The climax builds around the lines that reference Daisy. The poem ends on an appreciative note, reflective of a finale or closing chorus in an opera. The use of musical metaphors is a depiction of our journey, growth and appreciation, reminiscent of the ebb and flow one might find in an opera.
Above all, this poem stands as a testament to Daisy and Paul's enduring legacy and their unwavering belief in the transformative power of investing in people, us New Americans.
Aria of Aspirations
In the powerful embrace of dawn's first light,
An aria begins, echoing the night.
Like Verdi's voices, in a crescendo bold,
Daisy, with Paul, your legacy retold.
From the depths of memory, notes we chose,
World painted in hues of La vie en rose.
An inspiring community, dreams taking flight,
Believing in the power of the New American right.
Andante tales from Nigeria's Ewi pride,
Bharatanatyam in India, vivace stride.
Syria's dancers, in Sufi whirling, they soar,
Calypso rhythms, Grenada's lively lore.
Germany's Deutsche Oper, largo and deep,
Polish opera's passion, allegro sweep.
Staccato tales of Russkaya, tales so vast,
Makossa beats in Cameroon, from the past.
Nanguan melodies in Taiwan, gentle and fine,
Mariachi strums, Mexico's vivacious line.
Zemer Ivri from Israel, tunes that enthrall,
Pakistan's Qawwali, a resonant call.
El Salvador's Cumbia, rhythm and song,
Congo's Soukous, where dance moves prolong.
Chinese opera's mask, legends of yore.
Vietnam's Ca trù, a haunting encore.
Romania's Doina, a melancholic strain.
England's classic ballads, tales that remain,
Uganda's Ndere, in rhythmic dance they weave,
Canada's vast beauty, where the maple leaves believe.
In unity, beyond borders, we soar,
Embracing abilities and disabilities, our spirit does roar.
For in this fellowship, we truly see,
The strength of inclusion, setting hearts free.
Daisy, our fellowship’s deepam, light,
Paul, in dolce memory, makes the night bright.
Apurbo, wonderful, with 2.5 decades decree,
Your combined legacies, a grand opera’s spree.
Cuando la oportunidad no te llama,
construye una puerta, is your panorama.
For every dream, an aria of our own.
In this vast libretto, aspirations grown.
Qui cherche trouve, in tales that we’ve planned.
Contrapunto contrasts, hand in hand
Yaar, friend, Fellows forge unyielding bonds,
Guided by mentorship, on which our growth dawns.
Al-nas lba'adah, together we stand,
With each note played, by your visionary hand.
In Verdi's coda, strong and profound,
Daisy, your strength and resilience resound
A reflection of past, largo’s embrace,
A celebration of futures, in allegro’s chase.
For in this grand opera, one thing is clear,
Through music and dreams, you've drawn us near.
A family, a friendship, presto and planned,
You invest in people, on this vast vast land.
With each passing year, our ensemble does grow,
In the name of love, letting dreams flow.
Classic and visionary, an aria’s play,
Daisy Soros, to you and Paul, our gratitude we convey.
For in every note, in each melody's strand,
Is the touch of your hearts, the warmth of your hand
Foreign Language Translations
Al-nas lba'adah (arabic): people are there to support each other
Apurbo (bengali): Wonderful /amazing
Cuando la oportunidad no te llama, construye una puerta (spanish): When opportunity doesn't knock, build a door
Deepam (tamil): Light
Qui cherche trouve (french): Who seeks, finds
Yaar (hindi): Friend
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