TL/DR –
The article is a collection of stories and anecdotes from various students at the University of Michigan. The author, Miles Anderson, spent time on campus asking strangers to share a story with him, resulting in a variety of tales about personal growth, life-changing experiences, and unique backgrounds. Through this process, Anderson concludes that every individual has their own unique story to tell, adding to the rich and diverse tapestry of the university community.
The Power and Diversity of Storytelling
Storytelling, a uniquely human phenomenon, evolved from our early days of existence. We developed the ability to share stories to stay alive, communicating dangers and sharing knowledge. Our language – complex, compositional, and referential – empowers us to convey both abstract ideas and concrete realities.
Every culture worldwide has embraced storytelling. In Indigenous cultures, for instance, stories pass down history, teach morals, and relay creation myths. They help us discern right from wrong and understand our world.
The Power of Individual Stories
At a large public university, I was struck by the multitude of untold stories. To uncover them, I decided to ask people to share their experiences. Undeterred by cold weather and initial awkwardness, I sat in a public space, inviting passersby to tell me a tale. I was rewarded with a rich tapestry of diverse and touching narratives.
One student, LSA freshman Sanjana Kulkarni, shared her experience of cultural adjustment after moving around frequently during her childhood. LSA sophomore Noah Kanis, on the other hand, shared his deeply personal and inspiring story of loss and dedication towards a career in pediatric oncology.
Sharing Personal Histories
LSA sophomore Laken Pointer narrated her extraordinary childhood living on a sailboat, while another student, Mopelola Adigun, recounted her birth story, which took place amidst the Ivorian Civil War.
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