Nut turns twelve today as he walks down the rainy street from his training camp toward his village’s boxing ring. His shin splints ache with each step, but he’s grown accustomed to it. Like many Thai children his age, he has already trained in his country’s national martial art, Muay Thai, for several years. Muay Thai is more than a martial art for many Thai people: it’s a way of
“Look at me,” Sam said as he rested his hands on my shoulders, gently forcing me to make eye contact. “Stop worrying about it. You’re being way too self-conscious.” he repeated. I shook my head in reply. “It’s not really about how I feel,” I reminded him as I looked in the mirror for the tenth time. “It’s about other people’s reactions. I shouldn’t have to explain myself to people
