Reflections on a Week in Ann Arbor

It’s been a week since I moved into my new apartment in Ann Arbor in anticipation of my last year at Michigan.

And my god, has it been a week.

Maggie Noodles: The Terrible World of Culture Concessions

“What’s your favorite food?”

I knew the answer to that question right away. Maggi. I loved Maggi.

culture talkRiya GuptaAugust 6, 2020being indian, indian, india, identity, assimilation Comments

Lillian Augusta: Hair Without Harm

Meet Jannice Newson and Nana Britwum. They are grad students at the University of Michigan, and they founded Lillian Augusta, a start-up that creates “hair without harm.”

culture talkRiya GuptaJune 2, 2020blackoutday, lillianaugusta

Family Karma Better Get Ready to Face its Own Karma

There’s Amrit Kapai, who came out to his family as heterosexual in his 20s. Bali Aunty is a 44 year-old single mom, who has been divorced twice. Vishal and Anisha chronicle the experience of marriage pressures within the culture from parents and relatives. Monica shows off a proud desi identity, while Brian shows us a version of American assimilation with less knowledge of or connection to desi culture.

culture talkRiya GuptaMay 6, 2020family karma, reality tv, television, media, south asian, indian, indiaComment

Quarantine 2020: I Just Wanted to Go on a Bike Ride

But all I wanted was the freedom to go on a bike ride. All I wanted was control over one aspect of my life, one semblance of freedom from the iron grip this virus has on our lives.

musings & mirrorsRiya GuptaApril 8, 2020coronavirus, quarantine, college, college life, mental healthComment

In My Element: A Love Letter

Settling in for the long-haul back home after COVID-19 wrought havoc all over my life, I reflected on some good memories I’ve had in Ann Arbor as I say goodbye for now.