Maestro

I grew up hiding the seven-inch scar on my chest. At pool parties, in locker rooms, and even in front of the mirror, I avoided it. I knew that it made me different from other kids, but I had never confronted it and learned about what happened during my first three years of life. Maestro began with the question: What really happened to me, and was this scar just a symbol of survival, or did it mean something deeper?

Maestro’s production consisted of three key moments: Interviewing my parents, meeting the surgeon who saved my life, and sifting through archival footage of me growing up into the person I am today. Hearing my parents recount the fear and uncertainty they felt showed me that this was their survival story too. Reuniting with Dr. Vaughn Starnes put a face to my questions. His calmness revealed that there were thousands of other people who had gone through the same procedure and asked the same questions as me. Going through home videos of me running around, laughing, and growing up made me realize how lucky I was to have a childhood filled with love, care, and happiness. It forced me to ask: How could I see this scar as a burden if it was the sole reason I’m alive?

Maestro answered all of my questions and became my love letter to this life I’ve been given. Every step of the journey further instilled in me gratitude for every breath I take and every moment I’m alive. I no longer see my scar, the struggles I faced growing up with it, or the physical limitations I have as hardships. I see all of these emotions and experiences as pure gifts, gifts that I almost didn’t get the chance to have. I hope Maestro speaks to anyone who feels dragged down by their differences and allows them to realize that their perceived burdens are often their greatest strengths.