In the Fall of 2022, Dr. Ung arranged for our class "Ailing Bodies: Narratives of Health and Medicine" to read Dr. Lau's pieces "The Crip Poetics of Pain" and "Pithy" and as part of our analysis, we were required to write him a question. She then was able to send them to him and tasked me with compiling his responses. I am serving as her undergraduate teaching assistant for the Spring 2023 semester. 

As a student last semester, reading "Pithy" really lit a spark in me, as recently I have been on a journey of defining myself as disabled, and what it could mean for me. Mentions of fear and comfort in love, the bleeding effects of pain, and "cruel optimism" propelled me forth. I am honored to serve Dr. Ung and to have the opportunity of highlighting other reactions to Dr. Lau's pieces, and the new conversations they bring to light.

-Kaitlyn