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1 month ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
A coffee shop. A whisper. A song I hadn’t heard in years. Maybe it’s time to go somewhere only you know. Erica Chen·Follow4 min read·--This morning, I followed a feeling — not a plan. My fierce, soul rooted friend and I had meant to grab brunch at Breakfast Den, but there were no seats. Instead of getting flustered, I felt calm. Curious, even. Earlier, I had peeked into another coffee shop, one my cousin Julian had recommended months ago.
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1 month ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow3 min read·--Welcome to the planet. Welcome to existence. Everyone’s here. Everybody’s watching you now. Everybody waits for you now. What happens next? I dare you to move like today never happened before. “Dare You to Move” from Switchfoot popped up on my TikTok, and the lyrics hit differently this time. When it first came out as the star song in A Walk to Remember, I was obsessed with the beat, but the message didn’t resonate as much as it does now in my late 30s.
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2 months ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow3 min read·--Running a business is overwhelming. There are endless responsibilities, constant fires to put out, and a never-ending list of priorities. During my time at WeWork, I managed a team of eight, oversaw the operations of three buildings, and supported thousands of members. With so many moving parts — teammates, services, and customers — figuring out where to focus my time and energy felt impossible. So, what is the most important?
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2 months ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow5 min read·--The First Earrings I Ever WantedWhen I was five, I spent hours flipping through catalogs, mesmerized by earrings. The models wearing them looked fierce and brave — and that was exactly who I wanted to be. I never asked for anything — so different from my toddlers now, who seem to ask for the world. But earrings? Earrings were different. They were the first thing I truly wanted.
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2 months ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow2 min read·--“They would fall apart without me.”I used to think that every time I wrestled with the idea of taking a vacation. Even when I managed to step away, I felt the discomfort the entire time — unable to relax, constantly checking my email and Slack, bracing for the inevitable mess I’d have to clean up when I returned. I tied my worth to my work, believing that the more I sacrificed, the more valuable I became.
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2 months ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow5 min read·--“Take me to Hong Kong. I’m going to die soon.”How do you not listen to your grandmother when she says that? I was 23, and this trip wasn’t even on my radar. I had just broken up with my boyfriend, and my $45K salary was barely covering my new car payments and student loans. But when Popo made that declaration, I knew I had to make it happen. I found flights and a two-bedroom apartment on Craigslist that promised WiFi and — most importantly — two bathrooms.
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2 months ago | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow2 min read·--Every Sunday, my husband goes to a coffee shop to write. At first, I was surprised that he would use his precious alone time to work. I never understood how deeply he saw writing as a release. He once told me that when he retired, he would spend his days writing. He’d own a little brunch spot, crafting egg dishes with care. Just as his words challenge our thinking and expand our understanding, he loves satisfying our taste buds.
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Jan 24, 2025 | 
medium.com | Erica Chen
Erica Chen·Follow3 min read·--Imagine this: You’re on a business trip and decide to unwind one evening. You have a couple of drinks, maybe let loose a bit, and then something unexpected happens — you slip, fall, and break your leg. Suddenly, your life is turned upside down. Your doctor tells you it’s a serious injury, requiring surgery and months of physical therapy. You’re forced to take extended leave. At first, it feels manageable, but the longer you’re out, the more the reality sinks in.
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Oct 14, 2024 | 
society19.com | Erica Chen
A classic drinking game that has transcended decades, beer pong is a pastime of all college students. It can range from a friendly competition between hall mates to a “Total Frat Move” worthy rivalry. Whether you’re a first time rookie or a beer pong connoisseur, here are 10 tips and tricks that will having you looking like a pro in no time!When you’re taking the first shot and no cups have been taken out yet, always aim for the center cup.
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Aug 30, 2024 | 
biorxiv.org | Ryan Kim |Elane Kim |Erica Chen |Kelly E. Dooling
AbstractPrevious studies have reported that amputation invokes body-wide responses in regenerative organisms, but most have not examined the implications of these changes beyond the region of tissue regrowth. Specifically, long-range epidermal responses to amputation are largely uncharacterized, with research on amputation-induced epidermal responses in regenerative organisms traditionally being restricted to the wound site.
