Today I’m struggling. I’m struggling because I spent the past weekend chatting with people who are struggling. People who have been completely devastated by COVID, though their lives were far from perfect beforehand. People who are under threat of eviction, who don’t have enough to eat, who might not be…

Because sometimes sh** hits the fan. — I am a bridge-builder. I speak two languages, grew up a poor immigrant, attended projects schools for K-12 and then one of the wealthiest colleges in the nation for undergrad. My identity is messy and I’m better for that. I get to connect people. I get to build bridges. But…

#BLM is not a trend. — In the past few months, we’ve seen a spike in popularity for blackness. Being pro-black is trending hard right now. In a lot of ways, this is an amazing — and long overdue — milestone. However, as with all trends, there’s a saturation point and then a lull. It’s already…

And other fish you may want to ignore. — Let’s face it: we are inundated with news. I can’t turn on my cellphone in the morning without Siri suggesting headlines in varying degrees of horrific. Although some distraction is welcoming, most of what I read and listen to increases my general sense of anxiety about our prospects. Part of…

Before it started, speculation on 2020 centered on one thing: the election. Given all the chaos this year has brought with it, our attention has understandably shifted to more pressing issues. …

The Anti-Racist Education I Wish I’d Gotten — I’m an immigrant. Moving to the States as a kid, there was a major disconnect between my home world and my school or public world. It extended beyond language. A cultural divide. But the weird thing was which culture got put front and center. White culture. The United States education…

Fears for the future. — I wish I could be in full control of my life. Lately I’ve taken up playing Sims, a game where you can control every detail and action of all the characters in your little town. It’s a control-freak’s paradise. I need to be in charge of something these days. The…

The role of privilege in progress. — This week I’ve been inundated with texts and calls from concerned loved ones. How are you doing? Are you okay? What can I do to be better? The sentiment is nice, but it’s misplaced. The work isn’t in calling me to check out how I’m doing. The work is not…

Why equal isn’t enough. — I’m going to paint a brief picture for you. My friend, who is 5’2, is trying to reach a snack on top of the fridge. Her boyfriend, who stands at well over 6 feet, is vying for the same treat. …