The chapter narrates the guest's first encounter with their husband at a jazz camp, their experiences at Juilliard School in New York City, and pivotal life decisions. It explores their journey from rebellious high schooler to a passionate learner at Skidmore College, navigating rejection from Princeton, and their transition from music to writing. The chapter also delves into their profound reflections on facing a serious leukemia diagnosis at a young age and the existential turmoil that followed.