Thirteen years in our wonderful public school system went out in a sputter as my oldest son closed a tab to end his last day of classes his senior year. He remarked how anticlimactic it was, a disappointing end to a difficult year. The class of 2021 demonstrated equal parts grit … [Read more...] about Thanks, Teachers
Dirt and Noise
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
Smashing & Rebuilding on International Women’s Day
I embroidered this sweatshirt with idle hands the day I learned Helen Reddy died. I remember my mother belting out I Am Woman in the wood-paneled basement of our split-level home where there was a built-in bar with vinyl barstools and the hilarious Mannequin Pis liquor dispenser … [Read more...] about Smashing & Rebuilding on International Women’s Day
From Helicopter Parent to Lighthouse Parent
Healthy family relationships, like a healthy diet, are everything. Being a teenager is hard. Parenting a teenager is hard. The closest thing we have to a handbook is the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. Where was this when my dad and I were butting heads in the 80s? I am … [Read more...] about From Helicopter Parent to Lighthouse Parent
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
Job Hunting Is Demoralizing
No one talks about how demoralizing it is to be unemployed. So much of ourselves is intertwined with our careers - self-worth, sense of accomplishment, power, influence. To be without work means my own self-worth wanes, my sense of accomplishment fades, and let’s be honest, in a … [Read more...] about Job Hunting Is Demoralizing
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