Manjula S.

Photography by Ashley Kung

If you’re reading this, hope is the thing with feathers.

I used to wake up early on Wednesday mornings to catch a bus to the hospital. There, I worked as a volunteer in the pediatrics unit. As I got off the packed bus, and walked into the hospital my senses became overwhelmed with the bright colored scrubs and hushed voices of doctors, and the strong smell of coffee. Despite all of the distractions, I was always drawn to the walls that lead into the pediatrics unit.

 These walls are actually the first thing I noticed on my training day. I mean, it made sense; of course, the dull white hospital wall rule doesn’t apply to kids. The walls were blue and green and decorated with little animals that had googly eyes some days. Despite all the loud colors, I was most drawn to a poem by Emily Dickinson titled “Hope is the thing with feathers” which sat unassuming against the rest of the wall. 

I volunteered in this pediatric unit for about three years; and this poem remained a sliver of hope throughout the many ups and downs I experienced. Before major exams, it became a ritual for me to read the poem as I took deep, calming breaths. I even snuck a read amidst all my panic before I went to take the MCAT (a major entrance exam for medical school). Most of all, this poem gave me space to believe. It served as a reminder that it costs nothing to hold onto hope during tough times. 

This persistent grasp to this hope became imperative to maintaining my mental health as I navigated family crises, the loss of relationships, and the changing landscapes around me. The poem also found a place amongst my chaotic college apartment room where it was displayed on my message board. It became a constant in my life, its powerful message only a glance away whenever I needed it. 

It felt silly sometimes, to rely on words written back in 1861, but art and literature have a beautiful way of transcending time. Over the years, I have shared this poem with friends and family to help them as they figure out life’s challenges. I share this poem with you in hopes that it reaches beyond my experience with its message and finds a place in your own life to be a reminder that hope is ever present. If you’re reading this, I hope Dickinson's words help ground you in times of distress and allow you to take on new reflections in your journey.

Manjula S., University of Florida

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at UF on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to UF students, visit our chapter’s homepage.

AUTHOR CONTACT

This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.