University of Pennsylvania

Sweet Child o’ the 80’s To this day, when I hear a song from the 1980s, I am instantly transported to childhood happy car journeys, trying to sing in tune with my mother. Our soundtrack reflected my mother’s conviction that an interest in music creates possibilities and positive connections. She and I have grown increasingly close by belting out tunes from 80’s music, and these songs have become a symbol of her empowerment and the empowerment she passes on to me. At first, I just enjoyed the music but didn’t appreciate its significance. But, as I began to question my mother about the songs,…