I once heard that, by wearing a safety pin, you indicate to others that they can talk to you about anything – anything they might be going through and don’t have anyone else to talk to about. Since then, I’ve had one on my backpack. It’s so important that everyone had someone they can talk to, but unfortunately a lot of people don’t. I hope I can provide a listening ear to those people.

As for the paper cranes: I made most of them while listening to lectures, music, TV shows – anything where my hands are idle. Somewhere along the way I discovered that it helps me a great deal when my head feels too crowded. Once I’m familiar with any pattern, I let my hands take over so my mind can wander and gradually sort through some of the thoughts occupying my mind.