Stories From The Stage

Psychology professor Michael Sargent confronts his biases on an airplane.

After the death of his father, David Filipov goes to Afghanistan, where a Pop-Tart takes on a new meaning.

Cathy Kang, who served as a vice presidential military aide during 9/11, confronts her grief.

Mandy Trichell writes a eulogy for the mother she couldn’t connect with; Raquel de los Angeles tries to mend a family she lost at age 6; and a lost baby bird helps Warren Holleman channel his feelings about family. 

Jo’s mother astonishes her family by baking a pie for dinner; Gauri rises above a low point to discover new opportunities through baking; and after the death of his father, David goes to Afghanistan where a Pop-Tart takes on a whole new meaning. 

Claritza prepares for her first job in the U.S. by reading the phone book; in Afghanistan, Mahboba journeys to her classroom against all odds; and Dillan discovers that sometimes we need to face our past before moving forward. 

Mariama White-Hammond gets down and dirty for a cause; Adam Stumacher volunteers as a human shield in the West Bank to experience the other side of the checkpoint; and Ronald Smith stands up for interracial marriage.

Richard learns that the best teacher is a student; Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross borders; and Jim finds himself in the blue iris of his eye's replacement. 

Tracey doesn’t get the proposal she wants; gets the one she needs; Bobby discovers that love can take unexpected turns in the Panamanian jungle; Nick looks back on the painful lesson of first love.

Megan Calfas rewrites her idea of what it means to “make it"; Joe Krajewski finds purpose in running—first with his son, and later in his honor; and Angela Lu reclaims her year abroad by choosing adventure over duty.