Joseph T. Shilati
Born in Saint Louis to a biochemist father and nurse mother, I grew up surrounded by the medical field and felt compelled to join my parents in the family business. At the age of four my parents favorite party trick was bringing me out during their work parties and asking me in front of everyone, “Joe what do you want to be when you grow up.” I would smile a proud smile and say, “A scientist!” They would then ask, “And what will you do as a scientist?” I would say, “Cure cancer.” The answer slowly changed over the years as it still does, but now I am a medical student. Somewhere along the way author became part of my life plan as well. Storytelling has always been apart of my life. My parents never read from a book when telling bedtime stories, they would just make something up on the spot. My dad always told about a boy named Johnny who wanted a red bike and my mother would tell stories about two brothers and their amazing and fantastical adventures. I somewhere along the way began telling my parents fantastical stories and blending reality and fiction was what brought me joy. A part of storytelling is experiencing life, which has led me to pursue adventure at every turn. I spend much of my time rock climbing, reading my favorite authors, listening to Spotify with the new AI DJ, running, swimming, at a yoga class, or scrolling on my phone. I am currently a second year medical student at Feinberg School of Medicine and teach short story writing at cook county jail with my friend Marc Cordero in my free time.
Joseph Shilati 