Borace

During my time at Michigan State, one of my classes challenged us to create a zine—a small, self-published booklet filled with original or repurposed text and images. The assignment was open-ended, allowing us to choose any topic, as long as we produced five identical copies to share with our classmates. After cycling through a few familiar ideas—horses, nature—I landed on something more personal and meaningful: kindness. Inspired by my now-husband’s quiet, unwavering kindness toward some elderly acquaintances, I saw an opportunity to tell a story that highlighted the importance of respect, care, and human dignity.

The result was Borace, a story of an older gentleman who experiences both the harsh and beautiful sides of humanity. In our fast-moving world, elders are too often dismissed, their personhood reduced to stereotypes of frailty, mental decline, or outdated perspectives. But in reality, they are living archives of wisdom, rich stories, and resilient spirits. My zine served as a reminder that kindness is a simple yet powerful force—one small act can illuminate the darkness. Be kind. Extend a helping hand. Respect thy elders.