Episode 3: Ann ”Nina” Starling

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ann "Nina" Starling, an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher in the Bronx—and also my cousin! Nina opens up about her journey of choosing a nontraditional path both professionally and personally, navigating the pressures of tradition and community expectations. She reflects on her experiences and the challenges of balancing cultural norms with individual aspirations.

Nina’s story touches on self-discovery, personal awareness, and even grief—offering a candid look at the difficult choices she’s had to make between her own needs and the desires of the community around her. Whether you’ve ever felt torn between tradition and individuality, Nina’s experiences provide insight and inspiration for anyone navigating their own path.

Tune in for an intimate conversation about family, tradition, and the power of forging your own way.