I want my kids to know that home will always be a safe place to land. I want my kids to lay their head in a warm bed with cozy covers and the cool side of the pillow to strike the perfect balance. I want my kids to revel in the joy of a home cooked meal and riveting, sometimes … [Read more...] about What I Want for My Kids
values
My Thanksgiving Wish. Again.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I wrote an essay about this concept as a writing prompt in high school, and the sentiment pops into my head every so often. Today is one of those days. This is becoming a tradition, I guess. I originally wrote this in … [Read more...] about My Thanksgiving Wish. Again.
Independence for Whom?
Are we the land of the free? Think about who actually enjoys freedom in our American systems. We are the home of the brave, the brave resistors, rabble-rousers, protestors, activists, advocates. Independence Day has long been my favorite holiday. I always said my family should … [Read more...] about Independence for Whom?
Proud to Be An Indian American
Being brown in America is to live as a paradox. “You’re not really American.” “You’re basically American.” Consider these two opposing jabs shot at me, one from a former boss so that was a great work environment. My identity and heritage are discounted and … [Read more...] about Proud to Be An Indian American
F*%# It List
Some of you might have a Bucket List. I tried that once. I had naively written down "run a 5k." Clearly that is not on brand for me so I threw out the whole list and went back to find the real Ilina. I decided that a bucket list is a bit too grim for my taste. I prefer to call it … [Read more...] about F*%# It List
In Representation We Trust
One brown face is not enough. One brown face is just the beginning. I’ve had a hard time articulating what this Biden-Harris administration means, the obvious reasons aside, of course. I’ve been the only woman of color in the room, at the table, with the microphone, for most … [Read more...] about In Representation We Trust
Giving Tuesday (or Everyday)
I have a lot of opinions...Ahem. I use my energy to support a lot of causes, so on this Giving Tuesday, I'll share some organizations that I'm supporting with my time, my voice, and my wallet. By the way, did I ever tell you that I was there, in the room where it happened, … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday (or Everyday)