Chapter 1: An Introduction to Pana

As I set aside some law school assignments, I find myself eager to share a bit about who I am. Greetings! I’m Pana (they/them), a 24-year-old Greek-American currently living in New York. I like to think of myself as a creative writer who has a deep-seated passion for fantasy and the natural world, despite having landed in law school. It seems Canada wasn’t in the cards for me (no further details on that).

Like many Medium writers, I have a longstanding love for writing. I’ve been putting pen to paper for as long as I can remember. While I haven’t yet published the young adult fantasy/post-apocalyptic novel that lives in my dreams, I still identify as a writer. Crafting stories helps me make sense of the world around me. Writing often doesn’t need to convey a lesson, but I find that it assists me in processing my experiences or pondering questions I have. It allows me to step back and view situations from a different angle. My hope is that this practice will enable me to respond with greater understanding and compassion in future encounters.

Let me share a bit more about myself. I grew up in the beautiful state of New York, and I absolutely adore the northeast. I enjoy spending time on the water and exploring the mountains. Throughout the year, I engage in kayaking, hiking, and discovering the breathtaking local landscape. Before diving into law school, I spent a few years caring for nature preserves and leading educational programs focused on environmental awareness. Being outdoors is incredibly fulfilling, and I’ve had countless memorable experiences in nature. Standing atop a mountain and taking in the vastness below is an unparalleled feeling. I've hiked 26 out of the tallest 46 mountains in the Adirondacks, and I aspire to conquer them all one day. My travels have also taken me to several National Parks across the United States, and I recently had the opportunity to visit Iceland, where I marveled at various geological features I had intended to study for a college environmental science course before it was canceled due to the pandemic.

Fantasy has always held a special place in my heart. I’m an avid fan of Star Wars in all its forms — the originals, prequels, sequels, and beyond, including movies, shows, and books. A professor of mine, Owen King (yes, Stephen King's son), once remarked that I was the most positive critic in class. Perhaps this explains why I feel so much joy when I finish a new story, whether in print or on screen. While I can certainly identify flaws in storytelling and assist fellow writers in creating more impactful narratives, I prefer to focus on what resonates with me rather than dwelling on what doesn’t. It seems that many people get lost in unimportant details, spending their time lamenting what they dislike instead of celebrating what they enjoy. I find that rather disheartening, as I’ve spent too much time in the past creating my own unhappiness. Now, I choose to embrace joy.

Beyond Star Wars, I am captivated by stories such as How To Train Your Dragon, His Dark Materials, The Owl House, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra. I admit I can be a bit of a nerd; during college, I was part of the Quidditch team and even secured second place in a contest to determine the team’s biggest nerd. That remains one of my proudest achievements, although it hasn’t made it onto my resume. Engaging in discussions about fantasy and storytelling is an absolute delight. Fiction is a powerful medium. It can transport you to entirely new realms, providing a temporary escape from reality, or it can illuminate truths about our world that we might have overlooked. Perhaps I spend too much time pondering my favorite fictional narratives, but I did manage to write my law school admissions essay on the topic of fantasy, and I got accepted — so maybe my fascination with dragons isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Speaking of law school, here I am, navigating its complexities. The road to this point has been long and winding, and I’m striving to grasp the intricate nuances of the American legal system. As a quiet, introverted, and noncompetitive person, I often find the material lacking the charm of a captivating fantasy novel, making my studies somewhat challenging. However, there are moments when we encounter truly fascinating court cases. For instance, one case involved someone who lost their sea lion due to forgetting that it could swim and escape the island it was confined to in the Long Island Sound. It’s amusing to think about how anyone could overlook the swimming ability of a SEA lion.

One last thing I want to highlight is that a few friends of mine, who are also aspiring authors, and I started our own writing podcast. We thought it would be an excellent way to motivate ourselves to write more and develop as writers. We workshop each other’s stories, analyze books and films, and even interview published authors and other creatives. Currently, we’re on a hiatus (law school demands), but it was a fantastic experience, and I hope we can resume it in the future. Our podcast is titled "Determination, Deliberation, and Dragons," and you can find it on various platforms. We’re also active on Instagram and Threads (@determinepod).

That’s about all for now. The future remains uncertain, but I aspire to blend my interests in law, fiction, and the environment in some way. I also hope to connect with more writers and creative individuals!

The first video titled "Fileto pule me pana e kerpudha" showcases a captivating journey through the themes of nature and storytelling, aligning perfectly with my narrative.

The second video, "Tekno - Pana (Official Music Video)," offers a vibrant exploration of creativity and expression that resonates deeply with my passion for storytelling.