When I was young, I approached my mother with an unusual request: to let me permanently alter my red cobbler long-sleeve thermal shirt by cutting it into the shape of the Starfleet delta insignia. It was my first attempt at cosplay, though I didn’t know the term at the time. To me, the insignia symbolized service and heroism, ideals embodied by the crews of the Starship Enterprise, characters my father often praised. Little did I know that these ideals would later anchor me, inspiring resilience and shaping my outlook during both strife and triumph.