A Curly Korean Complex

by Oscar Scribner

The moment I had been dreading had arrived. What was usually a mundane part of the day I’d sleep through was now a moment of palpable tension. The inquisitor was making her way down the list and was approaching…  “Oscar Scr-binder?”

Remembering Our Ancestors: An Interview With My Aunt Frances Cuevas

by Blonshe Katz

For my aunt Frances Cuevas, justice is the most powerful force in the world. She works full-time as the Director of Investigations and Trials for the NYC Department of Probation to maintain integrity in legal proceedings. Frances also has a highly intensive hobby that takes up most of her free time: genealogy.

Now, I’m a Proud Full-Time Hijabi 

by I. I.

“The believers are like a single body; if one part suffers, the whole body suffers.”  Imam Maulana Akonjee was quoting the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) to me and four other kids in the humid living room of my grandpa’s house, as a creaky fan rotated above us. 

Living in a Paradox

by Josh Lancman

In the picture book “Ella’s Trip to Israel,” a young girl named Ella takes a trip to Israel with her family and stuffed monkey, Koofi (Kof is Hebrew for monkey). Ella and her family fly on El Al airlines, visit the ancient Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem, shop at the shuk (outdoor market) in Tel Aviv, swim in the Dead Sea, and scuba dive in Eilat, seemingly all in one long day.

Second Time’s the Charm

I was 7 years old when I was walking on the orange leaf covered sidewalk outside my elementary school, with Ma right by my side. My attention was laser focused on a friend group of three Bengali girls. I was staring at their matching glitter turquoise slip-on head coverings.

Dancing With the Bollywood Stars 

by Ayush P.

In the 4th grade, I attended a Bollywood dance class for the first time. My mom had signed me up, and the goal was for me to do something outside of my school and home life. “Physical activity is good for you!