My Turn

Real people sharing powerful, personal experiences.

Good afternoon, and welcome to your weekly dose of My Turn. In this edition, David Wen describes the culture shock he experienced after moving from the US to the Netherlands. Dara Kurtz details a transformative doctor’s visit after spotting an usual freckle on her head; Stephanie P. Walker recalls a harrowing pit bull attack that altered her life. Activist, Gustavo Gatica, shares a brave account of being shot in both eyes by police at a protest in Chile and Christy Bullock remembers an overwhelming motorbike incident.

MORE ESSAYS

I Returned to the U.S.—American Work Culture Shocked Me

People don't take their vacation days.

I Spotted the Freckle on My Head. I Didn't Want the Same Fate as Mom.

How could a little freckle cause so much suffering?

The Dog Attacked. I Heard My Bone Break. He Was Going to Kill Me

It was midnight on a remote farm. There was no question about it: The attack wasn't going to stop.

I Was Shot in Both Eyes and Blinded—I'm Still Protesting

I was in a state of shock. I asked what was going on.

I Was Internally Decapitated. I Don't Know How I Survived

It was only the beginning of my problems. But I don't borrow trouble. I'm just really, really happy to be where I'm at.

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Shane Croucher is a Senior Editor based in London overseeing the My Turn section. He has previously led the Fact Check and News teams. Shane joined Newsweek in February 2018 from IBT UK. He is a graduate of the University of Lincoln, England. Click here to email.