My name is Tyania Pugh, and I want to sing. Honestly, "want" is an understatement; it's a desire that's lie dormant in me for years, but it almost feels ancestral. Even writing this down feels right, like a return to self. As (unfortunately) many of us have experienced, I spent most of my childhood being trained to self-abandon. And -- being the overachiever I am -- I got really good at it. I quickly learned that I was to be seen and not heard, unless an adult in the room wanted something from me. I was told that what other people thought was more important than my right to autonomy. It was painfully obvious that my feelings did not matter; not only that, but my caregiver's feelings always trumped mine. Not having feelings (or really, being willing to swallow them) was presented almost as a condition for being loved, and as a child completely dependent on my parents for survival, I was happy to oblige.

As it turns out, ignoring your feelings is the spiritual equivalent of a fiber-free diet -- both leave you full of shit that will likely require a professional's help to purge from your system. That is why I'm here today: I have been lucky enough to meet a vocal coach in my area who specializes in helping people rediscover/reclaim their voice. The consummate Laurece West asks that students commit to one year of lessons, and unfortunately I am not in the financial position to afford that on my own. If you are willing and able to support this dream of mine (via donations, sharing the link, sending t's and p's, whatever you can do!) I am eternally grateful.