Dallas

Most people know that one of the perks of needing extra time to board the plane means getting on the plane first. Fewer people know that those of us who need to get on the plane first usually deplane last. When everyone else stands and deplanes, I must remain seated and wait for help. I’d never remain standing through the circus that moves around me. The plane almost vibrates with the activity and excitement of my fellow passengers. Luckily for me, long physics lectures have taught me to be patient and careful. They’ve also trained me to have an extraordinarily strong bladder. Thankfully, the flight attendant helps me into the restroom to take care of it before I leave the plane. 

Soon enough, it is my turn to deplane. The skycap zips me through the airport. First, there is a quick stop to get a chai latte, then the skycap pulls my bag from the claim belt. I confirm that it is mine by reading the braille tag attached to it. 

Above the roar of the crowd, a vaguely familiar voice calls out, “Erika, is that you? My, my, you have grown.” The deep recesses of my mind fill in the name “Dr. Andrews” to this voice. I haven’t seen him in many years. He was my father’s college mentor and a family friend from long ago.

Waving in the direction of the greeting while trying to mask my excitement with an air of professionalism, “Hello Dr. Andrews. Thank you for coming to pick me up. And thank you for admitting me into the program. I’m excited to be working with you.” I can’t believe this. I’m here. Graduate school marks a new phase of my life. It’s time to find out if I sink or swim. 

Dr. Andrews continues, “I haven’t seen you since you were a toddler, but Erik has told me all about you.” Revealing an awkward, toothy grin, while wondering just how much dad had told them about me. I nod but a response does not surface.

 The skycap bids farewell, he leaves me to the care of my new advisor and mentor. Dr. Andrews’s voice leads the way while I follow using my white-tipped cane. “Please let me know if I need to slow down or if you need help. There is a cart over here that we will take.” 

He guides me to a seat, and the cart takes off. “We’ll be taking a helicopter to the lab. It will be quicker and more pleasant than taking the road. You’ve already had a long day. I don’t want to wear you out completely.” 

Dr. Andrew’s doting makes me smile to myself. Dad says that Dr. Andrews is a little bit like a brood hen with his chicks. Everyone must be safe, sound, and comfortable. This must be why mom and dad finally let me go so far away from home. 

Within minutes we are on the helicopter. The noise from the rotor deafens me. The sense of weightlessness disorients me. For the first time in a long time, a sense of helplessness tries to take over. One of the first lessons learned from my acclimation tutor was to never let myself fall into the trap of disorientation. Drowning in confusion is the biggest enemy. Breathing deeply, I take a moment to feel the world around me. Dr. Andrews is sitting next to me. I can feel the warmth of his body. There is a measure of comfort from the feel of his leg next to mine. This is what I chose to focus on to keep my nerves in check. This will be enough until we get to the lab.