TA Talks: Aborjaily Finds Strength, Support During Trying Times

Amira Aborjaily ’27 delivered her recent TA Talk on both the struggles her family faced when her father was diagnosed with cancer and on the people in her life who remained constant through those difficult times.

Aborjaily spoke about how her father was her “Dead Sea” — always steady and there for her no matter what — and how, eventually, she became that for him during his most troubling moments.

During her father’s treatment, Aborjaily recalled, she went to sleepaway camp, an experience that was especially challenging for her given what she saw as her new role in supporting her father. 

“I had always counted on him … but now he was the one who needed to be lifted up,” she said. 

While at camp, Aborjaily sent him letter after letter, doing what she could to stay close despite the distance. It was also at camp that she met a group of friends who would become her best friends. She shared both the good and the bad with them, explaining that many people hide their struggles for fear of judgment. 

“They were my ‘Dead Sea,’” she told her Nov. 5 audience.

Aborjaily reflected on how, for much of her life, she tried to fit in with those who were exclusive. For instance, she would tell people her favorite color was pink even though that isn’t true. In time, she realized that changing her interests wasn’t what made people like her. That’s when she began to proudly tell the world that blue is her favorite color. 

“Blue was pivotal,” she said, describing how such a small change helped to show her the kind of people she should surround herself with — and those she shouldn’t.

There was good news at home, too. 

“As for my dad, he rang the bell at Dana Farber [Cancer Institute] at the end of July, signaling the completion of his treatment, and just last week he got a clean scan, meaning he is now cancer-free.”

The junior quoted one of her favorite songs, “Dead Sea,” by The Lumineers: “You told me I was like the Dead Sea, you’ll never sink when you’re with me,” highlighting the importance of support during hard times. 

To the ninth graders in the audience, Aborjaily advised them to keep exploring and stepping outside of their comfort zones. 

“Who knows? You might end up meeting your best friends,” she said. 

And to the seniors preparing to move on, she reminded them that while change can be difficult, it brings new beginnings. 

“While distance might soon separate you from the people who have felt like your ‘Dead Sea,’ she told the Class of 2026, “your next step — college, a gap year — will present you with new opportunities to meet even more.”

Aborjaily ended with a simple message: “If you can be one thing today, be the Dead Sea.”

Offered Wednesdays at the Upper School during the school year, TA Talks format allows a student, faculty member, or staff member to deliver a 10- to 15-minute talk on a topic of personal significance. The speaker’s words are supported by images from their own collection as well as from student photographers, filmmakers, or artists whose work is sought specifically for the occasion.