The Money Issue

the mone editor’s note Dear Overachiever Magazine readers, The discomfort I feel writing this note is emblematic of why this issue was necessary. Money is a deeply taboo topic in the Asian community - especially when women are earning it. Many girls in Asia are forced into labor before they finish middle school - if they’ve been permitted to remain in school for that long only to work for wages that total less than USD $400 *annually*. On the flip side, many girls are forbidden from working, for fear of diminishing their marriage prospects. On both sides of the spectrum, financial independence is out of reach for millions of women. Even in the west, it is considered indelicate for Asian women to discuss money, let alone earn it to the point that they are independent of their husbands or fathers. Not to mention the wage gap - though, on average, it is smaller than it is for other women of color, vast disparities exist within Asian women of different ethnicities. There is much work to be done, but here at Overachiever, we want to start by breaking this taboo, doing the rude thing, and talking about money. In this issue are stories about earning it, spending it, and becoming comfortable with it - my deepest thanks to the writers for sharing these stories. Always, thank you to the Overachiever team for producing this issue. We hope you enjoy it.

Yours, Rehana Paul, Founder and Editor-in-Chief

ey issue with articles on...

Managing your finances Wealth inequality Financial Tips from ‘Not Your Wife’ Netflix’s The Half Of It

and interviews with...

Mira Rai Chef Jenny Dorsey Lynn Chen

Self Portrait Artist | Mikki Nunn

oil on cavas, 18� x 24�

Artist: Mikki Nunn is a Filipino American and a rising junior studying Studio Art and Art History at Converse College in SC. She also swins for college!

You can find Mikki on instagram: @mikko.__

Financial Tips from Your Wife As two second-generation British-Asians, who met in the Arrivals Lounge of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, we immediately connected; sharing our journey, backgrounds, cultural similarities and passion for diversity and charity. Being the eldest daughters within second-generation British-Asian families, we both often found ourselves confiding and advising each other on topics unavailable to, or taboo to, our own family networks. This ultimately led us to creating, ‘Not Your Wife’. We wanted to incorporate our own personalities into the platform; hence, whilst we discuss sensitive and tender topics, we’ve blended this with humour, some painfully relatable anecdotes and optimistic advice.

As we approached our twenties, entered the world of work, and received salaries for the first time, we identified a massive generational disconnect in how Asian women deal with ‘money matters’. The continuation of stereotypical gender roles within households, whereby the women maintain the role as ‘homemakers’ (despite often also working) and the men control the finances, can often result in a lack of open dialogues within many households, and with daughters and mothers often left out of major financial discussions. This means that as first and second generation Asian women earning for the first time, it’s difficult to understand what healthy spending, saving and budgeting habits look like. Moving forward, we believe that true gender equality encompasses financial equality; that means talking openly and honestly about money, asking questions, and getting clued up.

For this issue of Overachiever Mag, we wanted to share our top tips from our own journey’s with personal finance and money matters!

(Not Your Wife is not a registered financial advisor. All opinions expressed are from personal research and experience of the writers. If you have any doubts or concerns regarding managing money, you should seek advice from an independent financial advisor.)

Budget for you, not them!

For us, we found that social media was one of the biggest drivers for poor financial health; and has ultimately skewed what financial success really looks like.

In particular, photo-sharing platforms such as Instagram can often lead us to creating a ‘grass is greener’ narrative of someone else’s wealth, livelihood, and even relationships. We get it - it’s easy to get drawn in! However, what you need to keep in mind is that these photographs are a tiny fraction of someone else’s life; it’s a highlight reel of heavily filtered, edited and curated photography. Individuals, be it friends or influencers, aren’t posting about their savings accounts, how they obtained these things nor their monthly income. Instead we see luxury vacation pictures, extravagant dinners and expensive, designer ‘couple goals’ which provide us with unrealistic expectations of what our own lives should look like. The pressure to keep up can lure us into spending beyond our means in order to ‘flex’ or seem equally as exciting as our peers; an issue that can spiral quickly and result in financial debt. Remember, true happiness is not making life look better than it feels, but rather, the other way round.

What we found was key in avoiding the dark, and expensive, side of social media, is to not take everything at face

m Not

Meet Kiran and Sonam, Co-Founders of British-Asian Empowerment Platform ‘Not Your Wife’. Not Your Wife aims to provide a voice for the modern Asian woman by shining a light on ‘taboo’ and generationally inaccessible topics in an honest and genuine manner; these include dating, societal expectations, honour, finances, and much more. The two don’t stop at merely discussing these topics but also provide a range of practical solutions and tongue in cheek antidotes in how to confidently navigate and thrive through these identity and cultural differences. Their goal is to encourage a more open dialogue, and ultimately a healthier outlook and mind-frame, for future British Asian generations.

value. It’s essential to keep your perspective of what is truly real when using social platforms, or it can become a dangerous place, not just for your purse, but also your mental health! It’s vital to understand that posts can be, and often are, misleading or misrepresentative of real life situations. Remember, you don’t get to see what goes on behind the scenes, or how long it took to put the reel together, you’re just presented with the best moments.

Controlling your consumption is a useful tip to avoid being flooded with unrealistic expectations that encourage impulsive and unruly spending habits. By muting or unfollowing accounts that pull on your spending strings, and following accounts that encourage positivity, better spending habits and lifestyle tips, we become less vulnerable to the obsession of ‘catching up’. This will leave you with a more curated feed, that leaves you feeling positive, motivated and elated rather than deflated and discontented.

Remember - long-term financial success, and achieving your own financial goals will always trump the short-term dopamine rush of a few likes.

Every Girl Boss needs an emergency fund!

In many British-Asian households, the traditional ideas of masculinity are often still upheld without logical questioning or progression. Whilst masculinity can mean being courageous, posing leadership and strength, it can also more traditionally be executed through control, laying down ‘the rules’ and maintaining financial control within the household, or in relationships.

As South Asian women, we identified a huge generational gap between our attitudes and knowledge of money matters, and that of our mothers and grandmothers who have never had financial control. They don’t talk about the household money, they don’t know about it, they’ve never asked about it, and they were probably told it wasn’t their concern. In particular, in the ‘arranged marriage generation’, there’s an overwhelming imbalance of power due to the control of finances belonging to the man. Whilst in many instances, this has been tolerable; in others, it’s meant that a woman is unable to leave due to the financial implications it would have for her and her children.

We love, love, but in life, anything can be around the corner. We want you to start thinking early, we want you to ask those difficult financial questions before entering any sort of partnership, we want you to start saving as soon as you can, and even think about setting up your own emergency fund.

Every woman needs an emergency fund! Rather than waiting to see how much money you have left over at the end of the month, and saving that, we found that putting aside a set amount at the start of each month via direct debit was much more effective. That way, we were forced to budget with whatever we had left over, there was greater consistency in saving, and we weren’t tempted to spend unnecessarily.

Cook yourself rich!

Picture this, you’re in your first graduate role, elated, feeling like a real independent woman. You undertake the same morning routine; you arrive into the City by 8.20, do a 12 minute walk from the tube station and grab a venti caramel macchiato and granola yoghurt pot from Starbucks. That’s £8 before 9am - and you don’t think twice about it because, YOU, are earning!

Now...let’s fast forward to just four weeks later.

That’s £160. Hmm...

Three months later, that’s £480. Ok, wait, WHAT! That’s £480 on coffee and granola. £480!

We were in a similar predicament as fresh graduates, choosing convenience foods for breakfast/ lunch without thinking of the financial implications.

Very quickly, however, (and after looking at how much of our monthly statements came under the ‘Food and Drink’ category!), this changed, and we learnt the true value of home cooking and preparation.

The little things, like buying a £4 Nespresso jar, and keeping at work, where the milk and sugar is free; will save you huge amounts. Try and prep your breakfasts and lunches from home even three days a week, and your bank account will thank you.

Of course, when you want to, treat yourself, or if you’re time pressured, fuel your body. But what we’re saying is - be smart - don’t throw away your cash on convenience food. Trust us, and try it for a month - you’ll find homemade coffees, breakfasts and lunches trump in taste, nutritional value AND it’s so worth seeing how much you’ve saved by the end of it £££!

Prioritize and be smart!

Despite what they say, it is possible to maintain your social life, and your little ‘luxuries’ whilst sticking to your budget, by being smart and adaptable.

When it comes down to beauty treatments, getting our nails done is one of our rituals we undertake every month in order to feel our best. As many of you know, this can become an expensive habit, quickly. Utilising apps such as Treatwell have

been essential in finding amazing discounts and deals, which means we can still enjoy these luxuries whilst sticking to our budgets! We found that if you leave a review for each treatment you’ve had, you even get a free five pound discount code, which you can utilise on your next! Win-Win! Similarly, we love undertaking fitness classes, however found that some of the trendy (and even not so trendy) gym memberships within Central London were extremely pricey! Finding out about employee discounts at work, as well as seeking out free and discounted fitness classes on Eventbrite meant that we could still continue our fitness journey’s and try new classes within our set budgets (there are some amazing free fitness events run by Sweaty Betty, Nike and event free Rooftop Yoga classes).

Socialising, particularly when it involves London based bars and restaurants, can also add up! But it’s not something that we wanted to particularly cut back on; instead we adapted. For example, if we were going to a bar for drinks, we would alternate between a pricey cocktail and a soft drink. If we wanted to attend a pop up, or event, we would look at DesignMyNight or SecretLondon for discounted tickets. If we wanted to eat somewhere fancy, we would use Opentable and identify star deals and set menus.

Also - if you do have a luxury item or splurge you want to go for, we’ve always led by the simple ‘three times’ rule; that is that you should have enough cash in the bank in order to buy it three times over.

These tips were some of the most useful as new graduates; they helped us both realise that we didn’t have to sacrifice ‘fun’ for finances, whatever your ‘fun’ may be!

Knowledge is power!

Our last tip is to never stop learning. This doesn’t have to be pricey, and there are some brilliant free and low-cost resources out there to upskill - this includes books, blogs, youtube, and even just reading the paper! What’s important though, is that you don’t just take the information at face value; analyse it, and understand if it works for your own financial situation.

Some of our favourite books and sources on managing and building our personal finances include: The Financial Diet Blog Rich Dad, Poor Dad - a great read!

Broke Millennial Blog Price comparison & coupon apps such as Honey Yeah we know, you’re probably thinking saving money sounds more like a sacrifice than something to get excited about right now; however saving for the future hasn’t got to be a downer. We want to encourage you to have fun, ultimately life is short, and whilst saving is important, so are creating memories. Essentially we’re advising you not to waste money on bad habits and impressing other people, but instead actually spend it on things that really matter to you! As said by JD Roth at Get Rich Slowly, “You can have anything you want - but you can’t have everything you want.” For example, if small luxuries and travelling the globe are important to you, that’s fine. You can still obtain the things you want within a budget, by sacrificing the things you don’t really need.

Our final piece of advice is to create a financial goal of what you’re working towards, so saving doesn’t feel like a dead end. Start by making small adjustments on how you spend, prioritize on what matters and regularly check in on how you’re doing. All in all, you’ll be reducing your financial stress in the future, which will provide a sense of financial freedom when it comes to purchasing the things that really matter. You can have it all, but just not all at once.

Both your purse, and your future self, will thank you!

NYW Kiran & Sonam

Interview with actor, filmmaker, and activist, Lynn Chen Interview by Lauren Turner

New Zealand-based international-soul Lauren Turner is on the editorial & design teams at Overachiever Magazine. Best personified by the color orange, you can typically find her in downward-dog, devouring jiăozi by the dozen, studying towards her Masters in Sustainable Development or generally frolicking in the sunshine.

INSTAGRAM: @laurenturner27 / @sumei.creative

Photo credit: Eric Yang

Firstly, introduce yourself!

Hello! I’m Lynn Chen, a long time actor, first time filmmaker. I’m also a champion of women and immigrants, working with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), Time’s Up, and Miry’s List.

Could you tell us about your professional background? How did you get into acting, and what have you been involved with thus far?

I’ve been performing since I was 5-years-old.

My mother was an opera singer at the Metropolitan Opera House so I grew up on that stage, as a member of the Children’s Chorus. For the last few decades, I’ve acted in all sorts of mediums, from TV (Shameless, Silicon Valley), to film (Saving Face, Go Back to China), video games (Call of Duty) and audiobooks (Crazy Rich Asians).

Were there any barriers you faced as an Asian Woman within the film & media industry?

When I first began, there weren’t that many interesting roles for Asian-Americans. I remember being told that I needed to perfect my Chinese/Korean/Japanese accents and learn martial arts in order to work more. But at the same time, because the pool was smaller, it was a lot easier to book work and learn on a professional set. I got my SAG/AFTRA card a lot earlier than most of my non-Asian colleagues.

We understand you’ve been working on directing and producing your own film I Will Make You Mine. Could you give us a quick rundown of the film?

I Will Make You Mine is the third movie in the Surrogate Valentine trilogy that was started by filmmaker Dave Boyle, centered around musician Goh Nakamura (who plays a version of himself). I acted in the first two films and always wondered what the lives of the female characters were like when they weren’t around Goh. So for the third installment, I decided to show the feminine perspectives - the story of three women, unhappy with where life has taken them, peeking into their respective histories with the same ex-boyfriend (Goh).

What inspired you to get behind the camera?

Honestly, the main reason I wanted to do it was because I wanted to finish the story. And when

Dave Boyle said he wasn’t planning on making a third film but offered to let me do it - and that he would help me make it - I knew it was too special an opportunity to pass up.

In your opinion, what makes IWMYM unique?

Why is it important to you?

I’ve been part of the Asian-American film scene for quite some time now, and it’s very rare to see so many Asian faces on screen who aren’t having some sort of cultural crisis with their family. It was important to me to show three very different types of Asian-American women who weren’t caught up in family drama (none of them are related). Each of them is so familiar to me, and yet I’ve never seen Asian-Americans play these specific types - I often say that each of the characters represents a different side of me - and to showcase the wide range of talent we have in our community, who often have to fight for the one token Asian-American role in a project.

What’s next for you? Is there anything you’re excited about working on in the future?

Earlier this year I finished filming two movies that I star in - Pooling to Paradise and See You Then that I’m excited for everyone to see.

And there are several projects I’m attached to which will hopefully begin production once it’s safe for us to film again. In the meantime, I’m staying busy writing and dreaming up my next directing role.

What advice would you pass on to other Asian Women?

Now is the time to champion one another and our uniqueness. We have so often been made to feel that there can only be one of us, and that just isn’t true. When you stop comparing and start celebrating what makes you and the other Asian women around you special, you realize how much power and strength we have. I owe so much to the women who have lifted me up and inspired me, and that includes three of my I Will Make You Mine producers (Mye Hoang, Cathy Shim, and Emily Ting) who believed in and supported me.

For those who need a bit of self-isolation entertainment, how can we get our hands on I Will Make You Mine?

The movie will be available on DVD, cable

streaming, and video on demand May 26th! If you pre-order I Will Make You Mine now on iTunes/Apple TV and live in the USA, I’ll even send you a hand-written postcard. More details on the film’s official site, where you can also join our mailing list for links to the first two movies and the soundtrack: iwillmakeyoumine. com.

Lynn Chen is a long time actor, first time filmmaker, and body image activist.

At the age of five, Lynn made her debut on the stage of The Metropolitan Opera House. She has been performing ever since.

On TV, she has guest starred on “Silicon Valley,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “NCIS,” “Numbers,” nearly all of NBC’s “Law and Order” shows, and held recurring roles on “All My Children,””The Affair,” and “Shameless.”

In the film world, Lynn is a fixture at film festivals, setting an unofficial record at the 28th Annual LAAPFF with 5 concurrent movie roles. Directors often recast her – she has earned a reputation as a hard-working, down-to-earth collaborator.

This journey began with a starring role in her first feature film, “Saving Face” alongside Joan Chen and Michelle Krusiec. The romantic comedy was produced by Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment with Forensic Films, and was released theatrically

by Sony Pictures Classics in May 2005. It earned her “The Outstanding Newcomer Award” at the 2006 AXAwards.

Since 2009, Lynn has become known as an award-winning blogger and body image activist. he is the co-founder of the first body image site for Asian-American women, “Thick Dumpling Skin”, has been an Ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association (2012-2019), and has worked with The National Organization of Women (NOW) on their “Love Your Body Campaign.” Her food videos with BuzzFeed, Hello Giggles, ISATV, and Tastemade’s Facet have reached over 40 million views. Marie Claire Magazine named her the “New Generation of Social Activists.” As a spokesperson for NEDA, she is a sought-after speaker, invited to National Conferences and College campuses. Lynn was the first Acting Ambassador chosen by Skype.

Lynn is also a musician, having studied classical

piano since the age of seven. Vocally, she is experienced with all types of music – from a cappella (she was the musical director of her group at Wesleyan and The Brearley School) to punk rock (in 2012 she sang with Dischord Record’s E.D. Sedgwick on their European tour).

In 2016, Lynn won the Best Actor award at NBC Shorts Festival for her role in “Parachute Girls.”

She was awarded a holding deal with NBC. In 2020, Lynn finished directing her first feature film, “I Will Make You Mine,” which she also wrote, produced, and stars in. ‘I Will Make You Mine’ will be streaming on demand on May 26th: https:// iwillmakeyoumine.com/preorder https://iwillmakeyoumine.com/ FACEBOOK: Lynn Chen INSTAGRAM: @mslynnchen WEBSITE: https://lynnchen.com/

jacqueline wu

empty promises

Moonbeams illuminate the cedar wood floors of the tiny antique shop, The only source of light in the darkest hour of the night, When dreamers dream, with only the bitter cold seeping into fatigued bones‌.

Until the horizon turns orange and gold, and the moon hides its face yet again.

A small girl with red cheeks and raven black hair opens the door, Holding the weathered hand of father, their breaths forming fog in the wintry air, For in the depths of the tiny shop lay a lone black violin case, Out of place like a brick among colorful feathers in stark contrast.

Once, it was apprized by many, carefully handcrafted with the utmost love and care, And not a speck of dust dared touch its polished varnish then.

Its warm, rich melodies had sung in many acclaimed concert halls, Its timeless, haunting beauty connecting the souls of strangers for that one moment, Allowing breaths to catch and tears to inevitably fall, fulfilling its selfless promise.

Now, after many long years trapped in the steady undulation of the glorious past, The violin had forgotten its promise, its concert days only a fading dream of youth.

And the small desperate flicker of hope had simmered to a dying flame in its fragile shell, Until the girl with the raven black hair, straight like the definition, became its owner.

Yes, I bought the violin that day, For it was a joyous freedom for the girl and the violin With its warm, rich melodies still ringing in acclaimed concert halls, Its timeless, haunting beauty connecting the souls of strangers for that one moment, Allowing breaths to catch and tears to inevitably fall, fulfilling its selfless promise.

Farmacy Products on Sensitive Skin Review Written By Chau Tang I purchased the Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm from Farmacy and absolutely loved it. The product was aesthetically pleasing and worked wonders on my skin. The cleansing balm wasn’t as oily as the Clinique one I used previously. I didn’t want to purchase anything during quarantine because I haven’t been working since the stay-at-home order. Then I noticed that I was close to finishing my night cream from Estee Lauder.

I checked the price for Estee Lauder’s night cream and felt I needed something a bit cheaper. I didn’t want to put a dent in my bank account. Suddenly, I remembered a Sephora employee had said Farmacy’s line worked great on all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Sure, the cleansing balm worked but what if the other products didn’t? I was skeptical because I usually try a product in stores before I buy. I took a chance and thought, “why not?” It’s something I actually needed.

I went to Farmacy’s website and they had these adorable gift sets and I impulsively bought two.

One of the gift sets I purchased was the Farmacy Market, which contained Very Cherry Bright Serum Vitamin C serum, Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm and Honey Potion. The original price for the Farmacy Market is $52 but there is a sale so I purchased it for $45.

On the back of this set, it said, “This set features best-sellers from each of our ingredients line.”

The three ingredients it featured was moringa and papaya, which cleanse and detox. Acerola Cherry helps brighten and visibly firm skin with vitamin C and finally, the mouth-watering ingredient, honey, which helps hydrate and glow.

The Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is already a favorite of mine. I won’t go indepth because I wrote about it in the article, Clean Beauty Products Perfect For Spring, which can be found on Overachiever Magazine’s website. I will say that it’s clean, smells a tad minty and has an aesthetically pleasing color.

erola cherry. The Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid helps brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots without irritation, which sounds like a god-send. The packaging is a skinny and cherry red color. At first, I thought it was an eye cream. This contains 0.34 fl oz/10 ml. You apply this serum in the morning and at night before your moisturizer and after you use a face wash.

I only used one pump and spread this over my face.

At first, I thought my face felt tacky but it could just be the serum. It does have a nice light cherry scent.

I used it on my face and it did look beautiful! Not bad for the first time! My face didn’t react badly to it either. Even when I woke up the next day. This is a really nice surprise. Especially when I have sensitive The main reason I purchased this set is because I skin. needed a good moisturizer and I’ve always wanted to try the Daily Green Oil-Free gel moisturizer. The last item in this set is the Honey Potion. It’s a reYou can apply this in the morning and night. It has newing antioxidant hydration mask. This is a warm0.5 fl oz/15 ml. This moisturizer is oil-free and sili- ing face mask that nourishes and revitalizes skin for cone-free. Plus, the best part is that this is a light- smooth, glowing complexion. It sounds so nice and weight moisturizer. It hydrates your face for a just suits my skin needs. I was scared of using any good amount of time without feeling greasy. It’s honey product on my skin because you never know vegan and cruelty-free. It has hyaluronic acid and a if any ants will bite your face and smell the honey. It’s blend of phytonutrients known to help clear pores probably all in my head. For this mask, I don’t detect and reduce shine. I already have a morning mois- any certain scent and it definitely doesn’t smell like turizer so I’ll use this at night. honey. Maybe my face will be ant-free after all! Like any face mask, it’s not intended to be used every sinWhen you open this moisturizer, it’s a beautiful gle day. You can pamper yourself as if you were at a light green color similar to matcha. It has a won- spa by using it once or twice per week. derful scent as well. It smells like eucalyptus mint!

The scent isn’t too powerful but you will be able The jar contains 0.5 oz/15 g and suggests to spread a to smell it when you open it up. I am very sensitive thick layer on your face. Massage it into your skin for to smell but this is very pleasant so I don’t mind it. one or two minutes while it warms and transforms If you’re worried, wait until your nearest Sephora into a white cream. Leave it on your face for 10-15 opens up again to smell it for yourself. minutes then you rinse it off. You can rinse it off anytime between 10-15 minutes but I usually rinse it off It’s a soothing gel-like consistency and makes my after 10 minutes, just to be safe. skin feel a bit hydrated. If I were to get a reaction, The hydration mask is truly a thick consistency but it it’d be almost immediately but I haven’t had any doesn’t feel heavy when applied on the face. I masreaction. When I touched my face after usage, it saged it into my face for a minute and could feel the felt so nice and smooth. When applying it, you warmth of the mask. It was really nice! I was afraid I can still smell the scent but once it’s on the face, might develop a rash because the bottle said it was that scent is gone. The next morning, my face still warming but my face was fine. I rinsed off the mask looked smooth and hydrated. after 10 minutes and my face was ultra-smooth. It felt like a baby’s bottom. Weird comparison but true.

The Very Cherry Bright is a Vitamin C serum with ac- My face did look glowing and felt very hydrating. I

Image credits: @joelholland via Unsplash

finally found a face mask I truly enjoyed!

The other gift set was The Beehive. On the box it states that it’s a best-seller for glowing skin, let’s see if that’s true! There’s the Honey Potion and Honeymoon Glow. Man, all of these products sound so delicious. The original price for The Beehive is $40 but since there is a sale, I snagged it for $28. There is little to no chemical ingredients, so far I’ve seen in these products. That’s one of the reasons why I decided to try the other products.

When using skin care, it’s important to use natural ingredients. opens up again to smell it for yourself.

It’s a soothing gel-like consistency and makes my skin feel a bit hydrated. If I were to get a reaction, it’d be almost immediately but I haven’t had any reaction. When I touched my face after usage, it felt so nice and smooth. When applying it, you can still smell the scent but once it’s on the face, that scent is gone. The next morning, my face still looked smooth and hydrated.

The Beehive has the Honey Potion, which I stated in the set above and Honeymoon Glow. The Honeymoon Glow is an AHA Resurfacing Night Serum.

It’s described as a three-in-one night serum. It hydrates and clarifies dull skin while you sleep. It has 14% of AHA/BHA gentle flower acid blends to resurface, and honey and hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture. The serum contains 0.4 fl oz/12 ml. Similar to Honey Potion, there’s no particular scent but I did detect a hint of a sweet smell. This is a serum so you use one to two pumps to clean your skin at night but use 2-3 times per week. The website said slight tingling may occur. This set also has a sample of the Green Clean Cleansing Balm.

I used two pumps of Honeymoon Glow and it felt really nice on my skin. I integrated this with my nighttime skincare routine so I used a toner, moisturizer, aloe vera, etc. I used this before the moisturizer in the Farmer’s Market kit and my skin felt and looked great. It seemed like my skin did have a nice glow to it. Which is good because my skin didn’t look like a well-oiled machine.

All of these products were a hit for me. I will definitely continue using this! I have used this for a

week and a half now and my face looks hydrated and I have less zits now!

Chau Tang is a Beauty Columnist for Overachiever Magazine. She graduated from Cleveland State in May 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and a minor in Marketing. She loves to read about beauty, news, and political issues. Other than writing, she enjoys reading, watching Netflix, boxing, hiking, and photography. She wants to write about beauty, news, arts and entertainment and political issues. She also enjoys listening to podcasts about various topics like politics and true crime. A couple of fun facts: She was born and raised in Cleveland, can speak English, Vietnamese and a bit of Mandarin Chinese. She’s an only child and is an avid video gamer.

Image credits: @katiemoum via Unsplash

MISS DEMURE The Money Issue Written & Drawn By | Natalie Obedos

Interview with Mira Rai

Written By Lauren Turner New Zealand-based international-soul Lauren Turner is on the editorial & design teams at Overachiever Magazine. Best SHUVRQLĹľHG E\ WKH FRORU RUDQJH \RX FDQ W\SLFDOO\ ĹľQG KHU LQ GRZQZDUG GRJ GHYRXULQJ MLĂ R]L E\ WKH GR]HQ VWXG\LQJ WRZDUGV her Masters in Sustainable Development or generally frolicking in the sunshine.

INSTAGRAM: @laurenturner27 / @sumei.creative

Born and raised in the remote mountains of Bhojpur village, running has always been a part of Mira’s lifestyle. As a child, her daily chores comprised of farming, gathering fuel, fodder and grass for livestock, and walking about an hour every day to fetch water for the household. But she wanted to break free from her rural village lifestyle, defy the gender VWHUHRW\SH VXSSRUW KHU IDPLO\ DQG GR VRPHWKLQJ VLJQLžFDQW $IWHU WKUHH \HDUV LQ WKH $UP\ she began running at the guidance of her karate coach Mr. Dhurba Bikram Malla. She won the 2014 Himalayan Ultra Race (50k) the Mustang Trail Race and two races in Italy, the Sellaronda Trail Race (57 km), Trail Degli Eroi (83 km) which helped cement her place DPRQJVW WKH HOLWH WUDLO UXQQHUV IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG 0LUD 5DL QRZ LV D UHFRJQL]DEOH žJXUH LQ KHU žHOG ZKHUH VKH KDV KDG DPD]LQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ ORFDO QDWLRQDO DQG international events and races across the world, and a strong advocate for mainstreaming Trail Running in Nepal. She feels proud to have been able to represent her people and country and has been bestowed with several awards, titles including an honorary doctorate.

Firstly, please introduce yourself!

`Ĺą Ģà ĥä Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2030; `Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2026;Ă Â&#x192;Ă Ä&#x2020;ÍĄ Î?Â&#x201D;Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2026;Ă Â&#x2021;Ä&#x2014;Ĺą Ĺ&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2013;ĢĢäĹ&#x2026;Î&#x17D;ÍĄ Î?aĂ Ĺ&#x2018;Ä&#x2020;ĊĢà Ä&#x203A; <äĊúĹ&#x2026;Ă Ĺ&#x201A;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2020;Ă&#x161; à ŪäĢture of the year 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;World no. 2 Sky World Champion 2015.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I Ă&#x161;Ċĥä ĂšĹ&#x2026;ÄŠÄĄ Ă Ĺ&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2013;Ĺ&#x2026;Ă Ä&#x203A; ĹŞÄ&#x2020;Ä&#x203A;Ä&#x203A;à úä Ă&#x161;Ă Ä&#x203A;Ä&#x203A;äà Â&#x2021;à ĢĊ #Ĺ&#x2013;ÄĄÄĄĂ ÍĄ Ä&#x201A;ÄŠÄ&#x201D;Ĺ&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2013;Ĺ&#x2026; Ă Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2030;Ĺ&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2026;Ä&#x2020;Ă&#x161;Ĺ&#x2018; ÄŠĂš aäpal. I am also one of the international athletes of Salomon.

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In relation to your identity as a woman, are there many women ÁĢà úĆŅěʼn őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ĆĢ aäłÁěͧ

¯äʼn͡ őĂäŅä ÁŅä ġÁĢű űĩŖĢú ūĩġäĢ ÁĢà úĆŅě ŅŖĢĢäŅʼn ĆĢ aäłÁě͠ äÚäĢőěű͡ ūä ÚÁĢ ʼnää ʼnäŪäŅÁě őŅÁĆě ŅÁÚäʼn ĂÁłłäĢĆĢú Áěġĩʼnő äŪäŅű ūääėäĢà Áěě ĩŪäŅ aäłÁě͠ Hù űĩŖ ěĩĩė Áő őĂä úäĢàäŅ ŅÁőĆĩͣ Ćő Ćʼn Áěġĩʼnő ̣̞̣̞͢͠ `ĆŅÁ ÁĆ HĢĆőĆÁőĆŪä͡ ġű ĩŅúÁĢĆŹÁőĆĩĢ͡ ĂÁʼn ÙääĢ ùĩÚŖʼnĆĢú ĩĢ łŅĩġĩőĆĢú űĩŖĢú͡ ÁʼnłĆŅĆĢú ÁĢà ŖĢàäŅ łŅĆŪĆěäúäà ūĩġäĢ őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢäŅʼn ĆĢ aäłÁě͠ H ūĩŖěà ěĩŪä őĩ ʼnĂÁŅä ġű äŰłäŅĆäĢÚä ÁĢà ėĢĩūěäàúä őĩ Ăäěł ÚŅäÁőä Á łěÁőùĩŅġ ùĩŅ őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ĆĢ aäłÁě͠

In relation to your identity as Nepalese, are there many other őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢäŅʼn ùŅĩġ ʼnĆÁ within the international őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ÚĩġġŖĢĆőűͧ

ŅÁĆě ŅÁÚä ÚĩġġŖĢĆőű Ćʼn úŅĩūĆĢú äŪäŅű àÁű͠ HĢ őĂä ÚĩĢőäŰő ĩù ʼnĆÁ͡ őĂäŅä ÁŅä Á ěĩő ĩù őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢäŅʼn ùŅĩġ ĂĆĢÁ͡ ĂÁĆěÁĢà͡ aäłÁě ÁĢà Á ěĩő ĩù ùŅĩġ ĩőĂäŅ ʼnĆÁĢ ÚĩŖĢőŅĆäʼn͠ Hő Ćʼn ĆĢőäŅäʼnőĆĢú őĩ ʼnää Ăĩū őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ĆĢ aäłÁě Áʼn ūäěě Áʼn ĩőĂäŅ ÚĩŖĢőŅĆäʼn Ćʼn úŅĩūĆĢú͠ H ùääě ĩŪäŅūĂäěġäà őĂÁő ġÁĢű ĩù ġű ĆĢőäŅĢÁőĆĩĢÁě ùäěěĩū ŅŖĢĢäŅʼn ͳʼnłäÚĆÁěěű ūĩġäĢʹ ÁŅä ĆĢʼnłĆŅäà Ùű ġä͠ H ūĩŖěà ěĩŪä őĩ ʼnää őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ͳŅÁÚäʹ ÙäĆĢú ĆĢÚěŖàäà ĆĢ gěűġłĆÚ úÁġäʼn ʼnĩġäàÁű͠ `ű őäÁġ ÁĢà H ĂÁŪä ÙääĢ ūĩŅėĆĢú ŪäŅű ĂÁŅà őĩ ÁÚĂĆäŪä őĂĆʼn dream.

Photo Credit: Martina Valmassoi

What are som gest challenge faced within y What are som lenges you ha trail running?

Tell us about t Initiative.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Follow your heart and Keep Running!â&#x20AC;?

me of the biges you have your journey? me of the chalave faced in ?

the Mira Rai

ZĆėä äŪäŅű ʼnŖÚÚäʼnʼnùŖě ʼnőĩŅű őĂäŅä ÁŅä őĆŅäěäʼnʼn äƅĩŅő͡ ʼněääłěäʼnʼn ĢĆúĂőʼn͡ ŖĢàŖä ŅĩŖúĂ äŰłäŅĆäĢÚäʼn ÁĢà ŅäÁěĆőű ĩù ŅäłŅäʼnäĢőĆĢú őĂĆŅà ūĩŅěà ĩŅ ŖĢàäŅ àäŪäěĩłäà ĢÁőĆĩĢ among many others. I do have my own share of challenges face within my journey őĆěě Ģĩū͠ ÁÚė ĆĢ ̢̠̞̟͡ őŅÁĆě ŅÁÚä ūÁʼn Á Úĩġłěäőäěű Ģäū ʼnłĩŅőʼn ūĂĆÚĂ ūÁʼn Ģĩő äŪäĢ ŖĢàäŅ ÁĢű ĢÁőĆĩĢÁě ÁʼnʼnĩÚĆÁőĆĩĢʼn ͳĆő Ćʼn ʼnőĆěě Ģĩőʹ͠ ĂäĢ ÙäĆĢú Á aäłÁěäʼnä ÁĢà Á ūĩġÁĢ ġÁàä Ćő äŪäĢ ūĩŅʼnä ùĩŅ ġű ʼnőŅŖúúěä ʼnłäÚĆÁěěű ùĩŅ ĆĢőäŅĢÁőĆĩĢÁě ŅÁÚäʼn ūĂäŅä H ĂÁà őĩ Áłłěű ùĩŅ ŪĆʼnÁ ÁĢà őŅÁŪäě ÁěĩĢä͠ HĢĆőĆÁěěű H àĆà Ģĩő äŪäĢ ĂÁŪä äĢĩŖúĂ ġĩĢäű őĩ ÙŖű łŅĩłäŅ ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ʼnĂĩäʼn ÁĢà ÁőőĆŅä͠ 'ĢúěĆʼnĂ ěÁĢúŖÁúä ÚĩġġŖĢĆÚÁőĆĩĢ ūÁʼn ÁĢĩőĂäŅ ÚĂÁěěäĢúä ùĩŅ ġä ūĂĆÚĂ H ĩŪäŅÚĩġä Ùű őÁėĆĢú ʼnłäÚĆÁě 'ĢúěĆʼnĂ ÚěÁʼnʼnäʼn͠ `ĆŅÁ ÁĆ Áʼn Á ÙŅÁĢà Ćʼn Ģĩő ĔŖʼnő ÁĢ ĆĢàĆŪĆàŖÁěͣ ÙŖő Á őäÁġ ĩù ěĆėäͿġĆĢàäà ÁĢà àäàĆÚÁőäà łäĩłěä ūĂĩ ÙäěĆäŪäà ĆĢ `ĆŅÁ ÁĢà ĂÁŪä Ăäěłäà ĆĢ ʼnĩġä ūÁű ĩŅ őĂä ĩőĂäŅ ūÁű őĩ őÁÚėěä Áěě őĂä ÚĂÁělenges along the journey. ŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ĆĢ úäĢäŅÁě Ćʼn ʼnőĆěě ĆĢ úŅĩūĆĢú łĂÁʼnä ĆĢ aäłÁě ÙŖő őĂä ÚĩġġŖĢĆőű ʼnĂĩŖěà ĂÁŪä úŅĩūĢ ūÁű ÁĂäÁà őĂÁĢ ūĂÁő Ćő Ćʼn ŅĆúĂő Ģĩū͠ ʼn ʼnőÁőäà ÁÙĩŪä͡ ūä àĩ Ģĩő ĂÁŪä łŅĩłäŅ ŅäúŖěÁőĆĩĢʼn ĩŅ úĩŪäŅĢĆĢú Ùĩàű őĩ ʼnŖłłĩŅő ÁĢà úŖĆàä őĂŖʼn ūä ÁŅä ěÁÚėĆĢú ÙäĂĆĢà͠ Ŗő͡ ūä ġŖʼnő ÁłłŅäÚĆÁőä ěĩÚÁě łŅĩġĩőäŅʼn ūĂĩ ĂÁŪä ʼnäěƉäʼnʼněű łŅĩġĩőĆĢú őŅÁĆě ŅŖĢĢĆĢú ÚŖěőŖŅä àäʼnłĆőä Ģĩő úÁĆĢĆĢú ÁĢű ġĩĢäőÁŅű łŅĩƈő͠

`ĆŅÁ ÁĆ HĢĆőĆÁőĆŪä Ćʼn Á aĩĢͿ<ĩŪäŅĢġäĢőÁě gŅúÁĢĆŹÁőĆĩĢ ūĂĆÚĂ Ćʼn ʼnłĩĢʼnĩŅäà ùŅĩġ DĩĢú WĩĢú ŅÁĆě ÁÚĆĢú ĩġġŖĢĆőű͠ Hőʼn ġÁĆĢ ĩÙĔäÚőĆŪä Ćʼn őĩ ĆĢʼnłĆŅä űĩŖĢú ùäġÁěä ÁőĂěäőäʼn ÁĢà ʼnŖłłĩŅő őĂäĆŅ ŅÁĆě ÁÚĆĢú UĩŖŅĢäű͠ `ĆŅÁ ÁĆ HĢĆőĆÁőĆŪä ŅŖĢʼn 'ŰÚĂÁĢúä ÁĢà äġłĩūäŅ ͳ'a'ʹ łŅĩúŅÁġ͡ ÁłÁÚĆőű ÙŖĆěàĆĢú łŅĩúŅÁġ ÁĢà ĂĩĔłŖŅ ŅÁĆě ÁÚä͠ HĢ 'a' łŅĩúŅÁġ͡ ūä ĂÁŪä 'ĢúěĆʼnĂ ZÁĢúŖÁúä ÚěÁʼnʼnäʼn͡ őŅÁĆĢĆĢú łŅĩúŅÁġ ÁĢà ĩőĂäŅ łŅĩúŅÁġ łÁÚėÁúä ūĂĆÚĂ ěÁʼnőʼn ùĩŅ ̧ ġĩĢőĂʼn͠ Ăä ĆĢőäŅäʼnőäà űĩŖĢúʼnőäŅʼn ÁĢà ÁőĂěäőäʼn ÁŅä łŅĩłäŅěű úŖĆàäà ùĩŅ őĂäĆŅ ÙäőőäŅ łäŅùĩŅġÁĢÚä͠ Ăä łŅĩúŅÁġ łŅĩŪĆàäʼn ūĆőĂ ÁĢ ĩłłĩŅőŖĢĆőű őĩ ŪĆʼnĆő ÁĢà łÁŅőĆÚĆłÁőä ĆĢ ĩĢä ĩù őĂä ŅäĢĩūĢäà ŅÁÚäʼn ĆĢ DĩĢú WĩĢú͠ Ăä ūĩġäĢ ūĆěě ĂÁŪä ÁĢ ĩłłĩŅőŖĢĆőű őĩ ʼnőÁű ĆĢ DĩĢú WĩĢú ùĩŅ ʼnäŪäŅÁě àÁűʼn ÁĢà äŰłäŅĆäĢÚä őĂäĆŅ ŖĢĆńŖä ěĆùäʼnőűěä ÁĢà ÚŖěőŖŅä͠ Ăä ĆĢĆőĆÁőĆŪä Ćʼn őĩ łŅĩġĩőä őĂä őŅÁĆě ŅÁÚĆĢú ÚĩġġŖĢĆőű ĆĢ aäłÁě͠ ĢàäŅ ÁłÁÚĆőű ŖĆěàĆĢú ŅĩúŅÁġ͡ ūä łŅĩŪĆàä ƈŅʼnő ÁĆà őŅÁĆĢĆĢú͡ őäÁġ ÙŖĆěàĆĢú ÁĢà ěäÁàäŅʼnĂĆł łŅĩúŅÁġ͡ őŅäėėĆĢú úŖĆàä ÁĢà ĩőĂäŅ őŅÁĆĢĆĢúʼn ūĂĆÚĂ ūĆěě äġłĩūäŅ ūĩġäĢ őĩ ƈĢà Á ʼnŖʼnőÁĆĢÁÙěä łŅĩùäʼnʼnĆĩĢ ĆĢ őĂä úŅĩūĆĢú ġÁŅėäő ùĩŅ ÁàŪäĢőŖŅä ÁĢà őĩŖŅĆʼnġ ĆĢ aäłÁě͠ ©ä ÙäěĆäŪä őĂÁő őĂä łŅĩúŅÁġ ūĆěě ÚĩĢőŅĆÙŖőä őĩūÁŅàʼn ĩŪäŅÁěě àäŪäěĩłġäĢő ĩù ūĩġäĢ ʼnĩ őĂÁő őĂäű ÚÁĢ ĢÁŪĆúÁőä ÙĩőĂ łäŅʼnĩĢÁě ÁĢà łŅĩùäʼnʼnĆĩĢÁě ěĆùä őĩúäőĂäŅ͠ ©ä Áěʼnĩ ĩŅúÁĢĆŹä ĂĩĔłŖŅ ŅÁĆě ÁÚä͡ ūĂĆÚĂ Ćʼn ÁěŅäÁàű őĆěě ̢őĂ äàĆőĆĩĢ͠ ĂĩĔłŖŅ ŅÁĆě ÁÚä Ćʼn Á ʼnĆĢúěä àÁű ŅÁÚä ūĂĆÚĂ Ćʼn Ăäěà ÁĢĢŖÁěěű͠ Hő ĂÁʼn Á

As I understand, you’ve also done some environmental work with trail clean-ups, and also in Women’s health with Luna menstrual cups?

Could you tell us about that please?

Environment is important not only to mankind but also for animals, birds and entire living beings. We should take the responsibility to keep our environment clean not just for us but few generations as well as entire living beings. I personally believed in doing things rather than just orating. Mira Rai Initiative led by myself with other more than 60 volunteers chose a hill called Champadevi. It took us few hours to collect 80 rags of dirt contributed by us (people). It was just a small gesture of our social responsibility; we hope it has set an example to lot others to come up with similar campaigns in near future.

Monthly period is a natural phenomenon of women. When it comes to female athlete then it does not cooperate at all; I was not an exception either. Even during trainings and races; I had my experience.

Sanitary pads are also not helpful. About 4 years ago in Italy, one of the fellow runners introduced me to menstrual cup. Apparently, it was very comfortable so I decided to introduce among Nepalese female trail runners. Hong Kong trail running community sponsored 100 menstrual cups for the cause then through Mira Rai Initiative we distributed here in Nepal. I am pretty much sure that it has helped our female runners to feel comfortable at uncomfortable time of the month.

What are some of the challenges facing Asian women today as a whole?

Being a girl, I have realized that patriarchal society still exists, especially in Asian region. Women are considered incapable and inferior compared to men. People think, ‘what will a girl achieve from this?’ or not acknowledging the performance and hard work we go through. In aäłÁě ūä ÚÁĢ ƈĢà ġÁĢű ÚĂÁěěäĢúäʼn ěĆėä őĂĆʼn͠ HĢ ġĩʼnő ĩù őĂä ÚÁʼnäʼn͡ őĂä passion and interest towards Trail race is neglected by family members.

I am happy to be a part of the sports community where so many strong women are involved despite these problems.

What advice would you give to people just starting trail running?

I would like to welcome all the passionate runners. I am always ready and willing to share my experiences and knowledge without a second though to the new generation of trail runners. I will always try to be the bridge between the young aspiring runners and international community to provide them chances they deserve. Your passion and zeal will drive you to give your best inside your like any other sports.

Gone those days when playing sports was limited to hobby but now if you are dedicated, determined and devoted it can be your career.

Thus, you can have a content and healthy life. Life is all about challenges which make you stronger and wiser. Follow your heart and Keep Running!

FAC E B O OK : M i r a R a i

I N S TAG R AM : @ m i r a . r a i

W E B S I T E : h t t p s : // m i r a r a i i n i t i a t i v e . o r g / h t t p : // m i r a r a i f i l m . c o m /

jacqueline wu

shadows of indifference

A night, midnight blue, one with no stars An eye peering through the opening, clouds reflected in gaze And blank stares, pearly white- drenched in tears

The pendulum’s swinging, completing its endless cycle Hushed whispers ripple the surface, then back again An unfathomable abyss and death’s glare upon us with wings of black silk shadowing

A mirror with many faces, broken shards blemishing beauty A girl, no two. Nameless, shamelessly looking. DreamingAs the sweet, soul sucking vortex redeems her again

Walls encroach upon the silent dreamer as she remembers Transparent glass walls that cuts us with its sharp frame and protectsUnshackled but made captive, the dragon’s strength wanes from toil- where did dragon from As two wrongs aren’t made right with Chaos king and darkness spilling

It isn’t tempest from which I hide, or fire that chars my flesh Nor is it chilled autumn morns, or even emotion in flashing thunder and wet torrents Or love or hate, illusions conceived by the human mind No, it’s indifference, rather ignorance in all its selfish forms

Colorless with grey hued skies and shapeless mist delusions to cold eyes; tasteless Silent as despair, undiscerning as the raven veers towards temporary paradise Poison dripping from the black tongue that blots and burns For the fair rose with its delicate shades of pinkIs nothing but deceit.

More of Me, Please?

Written by Suhani Ramchandra

Suhani is a high school sophomore from North Carolina. Apart from reading and writing, she has an affinity for chocolate and scours for hours on YouTube and Reddit. She also enjoys binge-watching Netflix series and listening to entrepreneurial podcasts.

INSTAGRAM: @codeista Rewind a few years back and you’ll find my 10-year-old-self snuggled over a Harry Potter book.

“Five more minutes please!” I’d tell my mom.

I was engulfed into the world of heroes from Hogwarts who swung their cloaks and shook their wands. As Harry, Hermione, and Ron were on their next adventure I was always by their side cheering them on but knew I could never be them - and not just because I lacked magical powers.

Diversity has been pushed for in politics and entertainment by a new and inclusive generation, so why not in literature?

Literature is knowledge. Literature is creation. Literature is the embodiment of culture that helps develop the brightest minds of every generation.

The lack of minority representation in literature is diminishing the reading experiences of so many children as they read stories of victorious youth that they can never seem to create connections with.

If children fail to make connections with characters in a novel, then they lose the ability to feel the empowering emotions the character undergoes, preventing them from developing self-confidence.

This can unconsciously make them feel

inferior to the people around them who are more related to these characters.

In fact, a New York Times article presents scientific evidence suggesting how children tend to engage with characters when reading fiction that allows them to “identify with characters’ longings and frustrations, guess at their hidden motives and track their encounters with friends and enemies” that helps them tackle their own social life. When reading a story that doesn’t align with some of the characteristics in a child’s real life, it makes formulating these connections much harder because there are so little commonalities between the reader and character. In some cases, this takes the whole point of reading away, especially since some stories aim to reach some moral ground.

Don’t mistake me. I don’t have a grudge against white children. I simply want to see more of myself in literature. At times writers may voluntarily choose to write from a western cultural perspective to reach a wider audience. This may be a great way to sell, but is it really having an impact on the audience? I don’t think so.

These stories share the same plot structures with the utopian society, budding romances, and the idea that the protagonist is or has the panacea to all the world’s problems. Children consume the same literature over, and over, and over again. All the time.

Reading the same stories in different contexts doesn’t create a shift in the reader but instead reinforces the idea of white heroism. Looking back, I can’t

recall reading any story about someone of color who was on their own conquest to find their identity. I can’t recall ever actually feeling part of a story.

However, writing from a dominant cultural perspective isn’t always the writer’s fault. A New York Times article found the unequal opportunity Hispanic authors were met with when publishing their work. Editors often wanted writing to “conform to stereotypes about particular groups of immigrants” that simply denied a writer from their analytical voice and from expressing their cultural values. Authors with new perspectives who want their work to be published are shunned by publishing powerhouses if their stories do not follow the repetitive, deeply established pattern. In the fear of no longer being able to do what they love, and perhaps even pressure from family members depending on them to maintain financial stability, these promising writers have to rewrite their stories to fit comfortable stereotypes. Not only does this not allow a writer to express themselves, but it simply reinforces these stereotypes and makes children believe that what they read is a reflection of how the world works further creating a distinction between different races.

The stories of ethnically diverse diasporic communities around the world needs to be heard. Malavika Kannan is one writer stirring the representative literature revolution. In her new novel, The Bookweaver’s Daughter, she explores Indian mythology from a non-Western lens allowing children to see a different perspective that doesn’t follow the story of white heroism. Her story follows the protagonist Reya Kandhari as she ventures on an adventure to save her father while exhibiting elements of Indian mythology and culture. This shift in cultural perspective allows children to see and understand that the stories of minority

groups are as important and impactful as stories from dominant cultural groups.

Another story that caught my attention was Aru Shah and the End of Time, that also focuses on combining the present day and Hindu mythology. It follows the story of Aru who finds out that she is one of the Pandava brothers, who often represent the five senses in the Hindu epic, who is reborn with magical powers. The familiarity I felt while she encountered spirits, noted Indian symbols, and mentioned epics made me develop a connection and appreciation to my Indian culture, something I felt I hadn’t done in a while. I was lost in Aru’s world and felt that it was my own. This is when I really understood how big of a problem it was to write from the dominant cultural perspective.

It is so important that we start encouraging representative literature. Children from minority groups are falling prey to stories that glorify white heroism and are not seeing value within themselves. By being more inclusive writers can instill more power and self-assurance in them.

If we continue to write from a dominant cultural perspective, we misrepresent the colossal stories of countries from every corner around the globe.

“The lack of minority representation in literature is diminishing the reading experiences of so many children as they read stories of victorious youth that they can never seem to create connections with.”

jacqueline wu

the silence of winter

A long time ago, my grandmother told me, That there was nothing more important than love you can see She told me That in the beginning of the world, As the autumn leaves curled, the days grew shorter and the nights longer She told me that the night animals prowled, grabbing many good men who were led astray Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my fault, they would say Yes, evil ruled now, Chaos on a throne A throne of deception and lies A promise to both sides, made too long ago to remember The good now diminished to a last dying ember No one could change their destinies For the world was ending As the moonbeams shone and the snow fell thick My grandmother lay on her bed sick She shone through, her rays lighting the way, illuminating an imaginary path for anyone who listened Her name was hope Hope for change Hope for the better As we sit, we can still hear the last forgotten memories of the people of seasons ago For even if they had fallen in the fight for good, their love lives on You see, the good and the light had won If you listen carefully, you can still hear the moans of the lost in the creak of the ice and the whoosh of the wind The sigh of the plants settling in their roots, and the last cry of the mockingbird As my shoes crunch in the snow, it falls, slowly covering the ground.

The winter wonderland bathes the world in a blanket of quietness The chittering of birds stop, and you can no longer hear the squirrels.

The air, the river, the mountains An empty silence remains, the calm before a storm I hear the dying cries of my ancestors begging me A strong blizzard churns inside me, threatening to pull me apart A battle between good and evil, a battle between jealousy and love The night sky twinkles with many stars, their light leading the way Peace settles inside me, and I suddenly hear the twinkle of bells, the music of the world.

The song of the night jay joins in a strange harmony, the song of old The ice crystals sparkle, and the bitter gale moans in agony This is the song of goodness This is the song of winter, a time of choice and remembrance I am one with nature, and I feel my soul being carried away with the wind.

The merry sounds of Christmas fills my ears, my mind, and my heart My worries drain away and I am a new person My grandmother was right Winter always turns into spring

The Time I Worked at a Japanese Restaurant Written By Aya Apton

Aya Apton is a Japanese-American writer living in Tokyo. In her free time, she runs Ko Archives, a digital archive documenting Japanese women from all over the world. You can read more of her work on Medium or find her here: INSTAGRAM: @aya.apton

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The feeling of invisibility was sometimes measurable in dollars. I wasn’t sure at first if it was only in my head, but after enough zeros on the tip line, I wondered if some people simply didn’t think they had to tip me. I had this sneaking suspicion confirmed when talking to my friend’s girlfriend, Hannah. “I don’t usually tip at Asian restaurants,” she had said casually to me one night, unprompted and as if she weren’t staring directly into the face of an Asian woman who worked at an Asian restaurant. “When I eat at an Asian restaurant, I’m just looking for a cheap meal.” When I angrily recalled this story to my best friend, she rolled her eyes. “Ughhhh.” She groaned, “My grandma says the same thing.” To some, my work was so negligible that it was literally worth zero dollars.

The data backs up this discrepancy in how Asian servers are paid. One analysis

by Eater showed that Asian servers receive the least tips out of White, Latinx, and Black servers. While the median hourly tip for white servers and bartenders was $7.06, for Asian servers, it was $4.77.

It’s not hard to see that our labor is not valued like white labor. Once, a white woman who walked in after closing had screamed at me when I told her that we couldn’t seat her. “I’ve been working since 6 AM! I’m tired, and this is unacceptable!,” she yelled. I too, had been working a double shift that started in the morning. I was tired and hungry, and now I was getting screamed at. Did she see that? Did she see that we were in the same situation, and that I wanted to go home too?

Despite it all, I mainly look back at the time in the restaurant fondly. I would recommend that anyone, Asian or not, works at a restaurant at some point in their life. Restaurants are where you learn how not to be an asshole. It’s where you learn how to stay calm, even when you feel like there are a million tiny fires ablaze and you don’t know which one to put out first. Somewhere among the back pains, sweat, and stained shirts, there are really valuable lessons to be learned.

For me, the lesson was that I will not let myself disappear again. And since then, I haven’t. But I do think about those days a lot.

How I Learned To

Manage My Finances Written Written By

By Suranthi Suranthi Fernando Fernando

Suranthi I. Fernando recently graduated from university with an honors degree in International Trade and Psychology and is currently in the process of fulfilling her dreams of becoming a published author and digital marketing specialist. She enjoys reading and watching Korean dramas in her free time in an effort to become fluent in Korean.

INSTAGRAM: @essa11eff

When it comes to working and managing my finances, I’d confidently say that I have a healthy 7 years’ worth of invaluable experience.

At the age of 19, in the year 2013, I received my diploma from a Polytechnic in Singapore, and wanted to continue my studies by enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree course. However, I wasn’t the most studious teenager during my diploma course, and my Grade Point Average wasn’t the best. In fact, I was just about average. But being optimistic enough to try, I applied to all the local universities in Singapore.

The applications were sent out, and I was facing a nearly 6-month break between the end of my diploma course and the university acceptance period. I was bored after a month of lounging at home, and with the guidance and advice of my family members, I began applying for temp jobs so that I could learn some extra skills and earn some pocket money while waiting for university acceptances to roll in.

I received an offer to do a short term contract at a shipping company, where I was told that I would be covering the duties of one of their staff members who was on 4 months maternity leave.

I agreed, and was soon introduced to my mentor, the head of the department I would be spending the next few months in.

I was earning roughly $10 an hour, which I felt was pretty good for a temp job in a nice office. I was soon familiar with the work duties that I had to complete, as well as with the staff members in the department I was attached to. Being the youngest by a good 8 years, I was pampered by my colleagues (but with firm and proper guidance for work-related matters).

Soon my meagre bank account was starting to fluff up a bit, and my head was getting equally fluffed up about spending my earnings. At that age, I wasn’t too serious about saving up for the future or retirement plans – my mindset was that I should enjoy myself before university. I’d go for lunches and dinners with my colleagues and friends, with my food-related expenditure sometimes ranging from $10-$50 a day. I’d also go shopping on the weekends for office clothes and outfits for university as well, blowing $50-$150 per shopping trip (which may not be much to some, but for me, who’d previously received only $50 per week to cover all my expenses, it was basically a luxury shopping spree).

By the time July rolled by, I had convinced myself that getting accepted to university would be a cinch, and that I’d receive good news any day now. To my shock and embarrassment, rejection after rejection arrived in the mail instead, I realised that I’d overlooked the fact that I’d be competing for university admission with graduates of 4 other polytechnics as well as the local Junior College graduates, whom

Universities favored over Diploma graduates).

I hadn’t been accepted to any of the universities I’d applied to. I was devastated. The next day, my Department Head noticed my gloomy ġĩĩà ÁĢà ÚÁěěäà ġä őĩ ĂäŅ ĩƆÚä ùĩŅ Á őÁěė͠ After learning about what had happened, she ūÁʼn ʼnűġłÁőĂäőĆÚ ÁĢà ĩƅäŅäà őĩ ʼnłäÁė őĩ D őĩ extend my temp job for a while more. And so I ʼnłäĢő ÁĢĩőĂäŅ ġĩĢőĂ ūĩŅėĆĢú͡ ÙäùĩŅä ěäÁŪĆĢú the shipping company. ű őĂäĢ͡ ġű ʼnłäĢàĆĢú ĂÁà őÁėäĢ Á łÁŖʼnä͡ Áʼn I was in no mood to meet anyone for meals, ĢĩŅ ūÁʼn H ÁÙĩŖő őĩ ūäÁŅ őĂä ĩŖőƈőʼn HΎà ÁěŅäÁàű bought for university anytime soon. I was facing a reality I’d convinced myself I wouldn’t have to face- I was going to have to get a full time job for at least a year more while waiting for the next round of university admissions.

I applied to various jobs, but to add salt to my ūĩŖĢàʼn͡ H ūÁʼnĢΎő ŅäÚäĆŪĆĢú ÁĢű ĔĩÙ ĩƅäŅʼn äĆther despite going to multiple job interviews.

I was close to losing myself mentally at that point, as I felt that I’d let my parents and myself down, while in contrast, my cousins and friends were doing well. Ŗő H ėäłő ġű ĂäÁà Ăäěà ĂĆúĂ͡ úŅÁàŖÁěěű ÁÚcepting my reality, and mentally preparing ġűʼnäěù őĩ őÁėä Ŗł ÁĢű ĔĩÙ ĩƅäŅ őĂÁő ūĩŖěà come my way. ;ĆĢÁěěű͡ őĂä àÁű ÁŅŅĆŪäà͠ H ūÁʼn ūÁěėĆĢú ĩŖő ĩù yet another job interview when my phone started ringing. gĢ őĂä ĩőĂäŅ äĢà ĩù őĂä ěĆĢä ūÁʼn Á ěĩÚÁě ÙÁĢė͡ one of the more established ones in SingałĩŅä͠ Ăäű ūÁĢőäà őĩ ėĢĩū Ćù H ūÁʼn ĆĢőäŅäʼnőed in coming down for an interview. I all but screamed my acceptance into the phone and ŅÁĢ Ăĩġä őĩ łŅäł ġű ĩŖőƈő ÁĢà àĩÚŖġäĢőʼn͠ There were multiple stages of interviews and ĩĢěĆĢä őÁʼnėʼn őĩ àĩ͡ ÙŖő ěĩĢú ʼnőĩŅű ʼnĂĩŅő͡ H ūÁʼn ĩƅäŅäà Á ĔĩÙ Áʼn Á ÁĢė 'ŰäÚŖőĆŪä͡ ūĆőĂ Á ̠ űäÁŅ ÚĩĢőŅÁÚő͠ H ʼnőÁŅőäà ūĩŅė Á àÁű ÁùőäŅ ġű ̠̞őĂ ÙĆŅőĂàÁű͡ ùääěĆĢú ěĆėä HΎà ƈĢÁěěű ŅäÚäĆŪäà Á

ÚĂÁĢÚä őĩ ʼnäő ġűʼnäěù ÙÁÚė ĩĢ őŅÁÚė ÁĢà ÁÚĂĆäŪä something for myself.

I was starting to earn a good salary again, and ġű ÙÁĢė ÁÚÚĩŖĢő ūÁʼn ʼněĩūěű úŅĩūĆĢú ΁ ÙŖő őĂĆʼn time I had a mission to save up money for further studies. In the months after securing my ÙÁĢė ĔĩÙ͡ HΎà àĩĢä ʼnĩġä ŅäʼnäÁŅÚĂ ĆĢőĩ łŅĆŪÁőä universities in Singapore, and had found some ÚĩŖŅʼnäʼn H ùäěő ūĩŖěà Ùä őĂä ġĩʼnő ÙäĢäƈÚĆÁě ÁĢà in-line with both my previous studies and my łÁʼnʼnĆĩĢʼn ΁ HĢőäŅĢÁőĆĩĢÁě ŅÁàä ÁĢà ʼnűÚĂĩěogy. I narrowed my savings goal to a rounded ƈúŖŅä ĩù α̣̞̞͡​̞​̞ ÁùőäŅ ÚÁěÚŖěÁőĆĢú őĂä őŖĆőĆĩĢ costs for the course in private university, and now I was focused. No more splurging on food, no more shopping sprees, no more spending unnecessarily.

Of course, being human, I’d sometimes slip and spend a bit more than I’d planned to, but I soon found a savings plan that soon became ʼnäÚĩĢà ĢÁőŖŅä őĩ ġä͠ HΎà ŅäÁà ÁÙĩŖő ÁĢ ̦̞̠̞ͭ ʼnÁŪĆĢú łěÁĢ͡ ūĂäŅä ĩĢä ʼnĂĩŖěà łŖő ÁʼnĆàä ̦̞ό of their salary as savings, and stretch the reġÁĆĢĆĢú ̠̞ό őĩ ÚĩŪäŅ őĂäĆŅ ġĩĢőĂěű äŰłäĢʼnäʼn͠ H ƈúŖŅäà H ġĆúĂő Áʼn ūäěě úĆŪä őĂÁő Á ʼnĂĩő͠ ő ƈŅʼnő Ćő ūÁʼn őĩŖúĂ ùĩŅ ġä͡ Áʼn HΎà ÚĂäÁő ĩĢ ġű ÙŖàúäő ÁĢà äĢà Ŗł ʼnłäĢàĆĢú ġű ūääėěű ġĩĢäű in 4 days, leaving me with the choice of ÁàŪÁĢÚĆĢú ġĩĢäű ùŅĩġ ĢäŰő ūääėΎʼn ÙŖàúäő ĩŅ úĩĆĢú ĂŖĢúŅű͠ H ńŖĆÚėěű ěäÁŅĢő őĩ ʼnÚŅĆġł ÁĢà save my budgeted amount while still eating healthily (tip for college students or anyone ūĂĩ Ģääàʼn őĩ ʼnÁŪä Á ěĩő ńŖĆÚėěű Ϳ ġÁėä ùŅĆäĢàʼn with your local eatery owners and you MIGHT just get extra food for the same price, or a discount). äùĩŅä H ėĢäū Ćő͡ HΎà ŅäÁÚĂäà őĂä ěÁʼnő ùäū ġĩĢőĂʼn ĩù ġű ÚĩĢőŅÁÚő ūĆőĂ őĂä ÙÁĢė͡ ÁĢà ÁùőäŅ Á ńŖĆÚė ÚĂäÚė H ùĩŖĢà őĂÁő HΎà ʼnÁŪäà ĔŖʼnő ĩŪäŅ ̦̞ό ĩù ġű ĆĢőäĢàäà úĩÁě ĩù α̣̞W͠ aĩő őĩĩ shabby, but I was determined to meet my goal, as it would allow me to pay for my university tuition fees independently, and therefore freeĆĢú Á ěÁŅúä ÙŖŅàäĢ ĩƅ ġű łÁŅäĢőʼnΎ ūÁěěäőʼn͠

H àäÚĆàäà őĩ ÁÚÚäłő őĂä ÙÁĢėΎʼn ĩƅäŅ őĩ ÚĩĢőĆĢŖä ūĩŅėĆĢú Áʼn Á ùŖěěͿőĆġä ÙÁĢė ʼnőÁƅ ġäġÙäŅ͡ ūĩŅėĆĢú ĂÁŅà őĩ äÁŅĢ ġű łŅĩġĩőĆĩĢʼn ͳūĂĆÚĂ came with pay raises too, to my pure joy). After ̠ űäÁŅʼn ÁĢà ̦ ġĩĢőĂʼn ĩù ūĩŅėĆĢú ÁĢà ʼnÁŪĆĢú ġű ʼnÁěÁŅĆäʼn͡ ÁĢà ġÁĢÁúĆĢú ġű ƈĢÁĢÚäʼn ěĆėä Á ʼnőĆĢúű ĩěà ÚŅĩĩúä͡ H ƈĢÁěěű ŅäÁÚĂäà ΁ ÁĢà äŪäĢ ĩŪäŅʼnĂĩő Ùű Á ěĆőőěä ΁ ġű ĆĢőäĢàäà ʼnÁŪĆĢúʼn úĩÁě͠ Having reached the goal I’d set for myself, I applied to the course of my choice in a private ŖĢĆŪäŅʼnĆőű͠ H ūÁʼn ěŖÚėű äĢĩŖúĂ őĩ Ùä ÁÚÚäłőäà͡ and in the next month I was serving my notice łäŅĆĩà Áő őĂä ÙÁĢė͠ H ʼnőÁŅőäà ŖĢĆŪäŅʼnĆőű ĆĢ ŖúŖʼnő ̠̞̟̤͡ äŰÁÚőěű ̡ űäÁŅʼn ÁùőäŅ ġű ĆĢĆőĆÁě ÙÁà ěŖÚė ūĆőĂ ŖĢĆŪäŅʼnĆőű ÁÚÚäłőÁĢÚä͠ HΎà ěĩʼnő ̡ űäÁŅʼn ĩù ġű űĩŖőĂ͡ ÙŖő ʼnĆġŖěőÁĢäĩŖʼněű úÁĆĢäà ̡ űäÁŅʼnΎ ūĩŅőĂ ĩù łŅĆÚäěäʼnʼn ėĢĩūěäàúä ŅäěÁőäà őĩ ūĩŅė ěĆùä ÁĢà ƈĢÁĢÚĆÁě ġÁĢÁúäġäĢő ͳűĩŖ ěäÁŅĢ Á őĂĆĢú ĩŅ őūĩ ūĂäĢ űĩŖ ūĩŅė ùĩŅ Á ÙÁĢėʹ͠ äěĩū ÁŅä ʼnĩġä ĩù őĂä ġĩʼnő ĆġłĩŅőÁĢő őĆłʼn ÁĢà őŅĆÚėʼn HΎŪä ěäÁŅĢő ĩŪäŅ őĂä űäÁŅʼn͡ ūĂĆÚĂ ĂÁŪä Ăäěłäà ġä ʼnÁŪä ÁĢà łěÁĢ ġű ƈĢÁĢÚäʼn well. You might have heard of these tips, or even have some of them incorporated in your daily life already (well done!). If not, however, ĆőΎʼn ÁěŅĆúĂő͠ Hù űĩŖ ƈĢà őĂäġ ŖʼnäùŖě͡ úĩ ÁĂäÁà and practice them, especially if you’re in your ěÁőä őääĢʼn ÁĢàͭĩŅ űĩŖŅ ̠̞ʼn͠ ʼn őĂä ʼnÁűĆĢú úĩäʼn͡ better late than never! as many of the hun Ćł ̟ͬ͢ Save àŅäàʼnͭőĂĩŖʼnÁĢàʼn ùŅĩġ űĩŖŅ

salary, and stretch the tens.

You’ll save much faster compared to spending ƈŅʼnő ÁĢà ʼnÁŪĆĢú ūĂÁőΎʼn ěäùő͠

Ćł ̠ͬ͢ Hù Ćł ̟ͬ Ćʼn Ģĩő Á ŅäÁěĆʼnőĆÚ saving method for you, aim

to save a certain percentage of your salary after factoring in the essential äŰłäĢàĆőŖŅäʼn ͳŅäĢőͭŖőĆěĆőĆäʼnͭÙÁʼnĆÚ úŅĩÚäŅĆäʼnʹ͠ HĢ the end, it’s where you plan and budget properly that‘ll help you save.

Ćł ̡ͬ͢ ĩěěäúä őŖàäĢőʼn ΁ ʼnää Ćù you can apply for a student’s

credit card, with the sponʼnĩŅʼnĂĆł ĩù űĩŖŅ łÁŅäĢőʼn͠ 'ŪäŅű ġĩĢőĂ͡ ʼnłäĢà Á ʼnġÁěě ÁġĩŖĢő ͳα̣̞Ϳ̟̞​̞ʹ ÁĢà Áʼn ʼnĩĩĢ Áʼn őĂä őĆġä ùĩŅ łÁűġäĢő Úĩġäʼn͡ łÁű Ćő ĩƅ ĆĢ ùŖěě͠ gŪäŅ őĂä űäÁŅʼn͡ őĂä ÙÁĢė ūĆěě Ģĩőä űĩŖŅ őĆġäěű łÁűġäĢőʼn ΁ ŅäúÁŅàěäʼnʼn ĩù őĂä ÁġĩŖĢő΁ ÁĢà űĩŖΎěě Ùä ĆĢ úĩĩà ÚŅäàĆő ʼnőÁĢàĆĢú ūĆőĂ őĂä ÙÁĢė͠ ĂĆʼn ūĆěě Ăäěł ĆĢ őĂä ùŖőŖŅä ʼnĂĩŖěà űĩŖ ƈĢà űĩŖŅʼnäěù ÁłłěűĆĢú ùĩŅ Á ěĩÁĢ ùŅĩġ őĂä ÙÁĢė͠ not be ashamed to use Ćł ̢ͬ͢ Do discount vouchers or cou-

łĩĢʼn͠ Hő ġÁű Ģĩő ʼnääġ ěĆėä Á large amount of savings per transaction, but ĩŪäŅ őĆġä űĩŖΎěě ʼnää őĂÁő Ćő àĩäʼn ġÁėä Á àĆùference. Of course, if you have a really good coupon game, you’ll notice the savings almost immediately! There are various apps you can use to get good deals, or even old school cutĩŖő ÚĩŖłĩĢʼn ÁŅä ƈĢä Ćù űĩŖ ÚÁĢ ƈĢà őĂäġ͠

planning and saving for Ćł ̣ͬ͢ Start űĩŖŅ ŅäőĆŅäġäĢő ĆĢ űĩŖŅ ̠̞ʼn͠

`ÁĢű łäĩłěä łŖő ĩƅ őĂäĆŅ ŅäőĆŅäġäĢő łěÁĢĢĆĢú őĆěě őĂäűΎŅä ĆĢ őĂäĆŅ ̡̞ʼn͡ ̢̞ʼn ÁĢà äŪäĢ ̣̞ʼn͡ ÙŖő Ùű őĂäĢ őĂäű ĂÁŪä ĂäÁŪĆäŅ ƈĢÁĢÚĆÁě ŅäʼnłĩĢʼnĆÙĆěĆőĆäʼn ͳġĩŅőúÁúäʼn͡ ÚŅäàĆő card debt, children’s expenses, etc.) to handle, and the amount of savings isn’t as high as ūĂäĢ őĂäű ūäŅä űĩŖĢúäŅ ÁĢà ĂÁà ěäʼnʼn ƈĢÁĢÚĆÁě ŅäʼnłĩĢʼnĆÙĆěĆőű͠ 'ŪäĢ α̣̞ Á ūääė ÚÁĢ úĩ Á ěĩĢú way if you’re disciplined enough to constantly save and not use the money.

(CONTAINS SPOILERS) Written By Isabel Moon

The Five Boldest Strokes of Netflix’s The Half of It

Isabel Moon is OM’s secretary. She is Korean American and a Theatre and Performance major at Emerson College. Outside of writing, she knits, crochets, embroiders, bakes, cooks, and wears cardigans like any self-respecting “grandma friend” would.

INSTAGRAM: @isabelsjmoon / @glorifiedcursive The Half of It, written and directed by Alice Wu for Netflix, says that five bold strokes separate a good painting from a great painting. Every artist who wants to be great needs to be willing to ruin their good painting for the chance at a great one.

The chance to become a masterpiece.

While The Half of It isn’t a painting, Wu makes five bold strokes that truly separate her work from the classic teeny-bopper rom-com, though she artfully adds classic tropes from the genre. She makes five moves that were (and I cannot emphasize this enough) risks well worth taking.

Longing Ellie’s longing is set up from the very beginning: from the beginning quote (“Love is simply the name for the desire and pursuit of the whole” -Plato, The Symposium) to animation about longing for one’s other half, to her classic bump-in-thehallway introduction to Aster and her slip-up to Paul when he first asks her to write the letter. But these hints of yearning are just that: hints. It’s established that Ellie has feelings for Aster, but only so much of that (read: none) is shown in big neon letters throughout the movie. The longing is subtle, and that is one of The Half of It’s strengths. Each little moment carries the weight that it does because of the longing and unspoken, unshown meaning behind it.

The Half of It does an incredible job of making this quiet, repressed longing compelling for any audience. There is so much communicated without words. While Ellie uses words as her defense, the way she and Aster look at each other in the bathroom scene proves that there’s not always a need for words to come to an understanding. There’s a palpable tension between Aster and Ellie without either character speaking. In that, we see Ellie’s unrequited love for Aster and Aster’s desperate need for intelligent companionship. The background noise, at least for the first half of this scene, becomes secondary to this window into Aster and Ellie’s budding relationship (not in the romantic sense quite yet).

When Aster and Ellie do have a real conversation in the hot springs, their glances in the bathroom are truly decoded. We, as the audience, understand Aster’s life and why exactly she needs a friend like Ellie: someone to talk to about more than boys, but about belief systems and God and what it means to live. And in that same conversation, we as the audience witness firsthand what Ellie sees in Aster: the feeling of being truly seen, as if for the first time.

There is a fundamental difference between gay coming-of-age stories (not in the media, just in life) and straight ones. That is, there is a heightened uncertainty that

comes with queerness. Of course, straight people are afraid that the object of their affection won’t reciprocate feelings, but with queer kids, that fear is heightened to a degree transcending just romantic feelings. There’s not only the fear that they won’t reciprocate, but there’s also the fear that they can’t. And worse, what if they’re homophobic? What if the object of your affection hates you for your capability of having romantic feelings?

For the most part, feelings go unreciprocated because acting on them could mean more than putting your heart on the line; it means potentially surrendering your safety. Especially for Ellie Chu, our protagonist, stuck in religious Squahamish, and crushing on the pastor’s daughter Aster Flores.

airheaded jock, but his love (whether it be platonic or otherwise) for Ellie and her father, when he asks Ellie “why Squahamish”, and offering up his own answer.

QPOC romance (and representation in general) Alice Wu knew what she was doing when she wrote this movie. She knew that writing a story about a queer Asian and Latina would be taking a risk. And taking that bold stroke was so, so worth it. I felt a sense of visibility from watching this movie that I can say with absolute certainty I have never seen before.

As a bisexual Asian girl myself, I’m glad to say that there’s a surprising amount of places where I’ve seen myself in the media lately.

These hints could all be missed in the blink of an eye and perhaps lose a less captive audience, but their sub- Wu does an expert job of acknowledging how Ellie’s tlety is what makes them bold. race affects her life without making it the sole focus of the movie. The seamless integration of Mr. Chu’s Paul Munsky And an Emphasis on Platonic Friend- Madarin speaking and subtitles only adds to the smooth ship incorporation of Ellie’s culture into the movie. Representation is crucial to modern media, especially bePaul Munsky, our token straight white boy, is more than cause it is seen as a “leap of faith” to put any deviajust the jock archetype so often seen in a cheesy rom- tion from the straight white cisgendered “normal” on a com. Paul deviates from the stereotype in many ways: screen. Ellie’s first-generation Chinese heritage, while he isn’t an asshole, he doesn’t get either girl in the end, not the main focus driving the plot, is an integral part of and his kindness is quite possibly the most important her character that doesn’t come across as tokenization. aspect of his character.

The representation seen in Aster Flores and Ellie Chu’s ethnicity doesn’t seem like a deviation from the norm; Paul’s kindness is what makes him compelling. Daniel rather, their culture (and all that comes with it) is porDiemer, who plays Paul, does an expert job of empha- trayed as just another part of life. And that risk of repsizing Paul’s authenticity. Paul is the reason Ellie can resenting the underrepresented was a risk worth taking. open up. He’s so genuine, and his ulterior motive of winning Aster’s heart quickly becomes secondary to Love Itself the tangible friendship with Ellie that he has at hand.

Throughout the movie, Paul becomes a better runner in Most romantic comedies and coming-of-age stories order to keep up with Ellie on her bike. Whether he’s tend to elevate romantic love while letting friendjust chasing Ellie or is chasing friendship is up to the ships and family fall by the wayside. But The Half Of viewer. We learn about his depth and devotion to the It makes sure to place equal emphasis on all different people he loves when he answers his own question of kinds of love.

“Why Squahamish”. His filial piety is something that connects him to Ellie, who agreed to his plea in the first Of course, the most prevalent kind of love that gets foplace because of her own filial piety. And that devotion cused on is romantic. Ellie and Paul both love Aster, to his family carries over to his devotion to Ellie and Paul tries to kiss Ellie, and in the end, Ellie and Aster fiMr. Chu. nally kiss. The romance in this movie is full of longing and a desire to be seen. Ellie and Aster have their sweet Paul could very easily be written off as a stereotypical moments, and there are more than a few conversations

(CONTAINS SPOILERS) Written By Isabel Moon

The Five Boldest Strokes of Netflix’s The Half of It

about what love means. Does love mean thinking about them constantly? Does it mean noticing how their eyes look right into yours? Is it about finding your other half? Or does it mean pineapple owl caterpillar with glasses? versation, we as the audience witness firsthand what Ellie sees in Aster: the feeling of being truly seen, as if for the first time.

While love is the focus of the main plotline, platonic love is just as important to the story. Ellie and Paul spend more time together than either character does with Aster, the object of both of their affections. In their efforts to have Aster reciprocate their feelings, Paul and Ellie develop a friendship that stays just that- —friendship. There’s no need for Paul and Ellie to become a couple once they become close. And the very last scene isn’t focused on romance. The most important relationship in The Half of It ends up being Paul and Ellie’s friendship, as he chases after her train.

The last type of love that The Half of It emphasizes along romance is familial love. Ellie, Aster, and Paul are all devoted to their families in ways that shape their decisions and affect the story. Aster’s initial decision to marry Trig was driven by only her sense of filial piety. She believes in God because her family does, and making her family happy is what made her happy. Paul loves his family, and he devotes himself to their sausage company. He chooses Squahamish because of them. And Ellie takes Paul’s money and writes the first letter out of devotion to her father so that they would be able to make the minimum payment on their electric bill.

None of these types of love are depicted as superior. Romance, for once, isn’t the only love in the world.

No one gets what they want.

Yes, The Half of It has a happy ending of sorts, but that doesn’t mean it’s predictable. No one gets what they wanted at the beginning of the movie, not even the audience. We know Ellie made her move with Aster, but we don’t get to see the aftermath. It leaves a beautiful balance between knowing that something finally happened between them and wanting more. And Paul doesn’t get the happy ending he pictured, either. He gets a best friend, not a girlfriend. Mr. Chu doesn’t get to have his daughter close to him, but he gets to see her succeed. And Ellie gets to succeed.

There’s an unexpected satisfaction from the end of this movie that risks a predictable ending in favor of a great one.

“We have so often been made to feel that there can only be one of us, and that just isn’t true. When you stop comparing and start celebrating what makes you and the other Asian women around you special, you realize how much power and strength we have.”

-Lynn Chen

Never Have I Ever...

Delved into the Life of an Indian-American Teen Written By Maitri Kovuru Maitri Kovuru is a high schooler in Texas, USA. She was a top-50 finalist at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2019 and her passion for the English language continues over from the bee to her love for writing. She first began writing in the 7th grade for a school assignment and has been interested ever since. Though she thoroughly enjoys chemistry she is not sure what she will study at university yet, but she will continue to pursue creative writing on the side.

In her spare time, she enjoys making portraits of people and riding her unicycle around the neighborhood. Maitri has definitely had her fair share of unique encounters that come along with being Indian-American and strongly believes in the fight against racial discrimination.

INSTAGRAM: @maitrikovuru TWITTER: @maitrik05 The scene opens to a girl standing in the garage of the school’s most popular boy, Paxton Hall-Yoshida, as he suavely removes his T-shirt to reveal his chiseled abs, ready to get down and dirty with the leader of the UN. If you’re thinking that stands for the United Nations, a slightly racist moniker referring to a trio of ethnically diverse friends, you would be sorely mistaken. You see, UN actually stands for unfuckable nerd, the social status of this young Indian-American girl, and her two BFFs at Sherman Oaks High.

Anyway, this scene may seem a bit strange, seeing as the boy and girl in this garage are practically strangers. But in fact, it’s a common occurrence in the life of Devi, a 15-yearold Indian-American teen attending Sherman Oaks High, whose life is slightly more dramatic than a telenovela. Here’s some background: Her dad passed away her freshman year at her orchestra concert, soon followed by her legs getting paralyzed, leaving her extremely traumatized and in dire need of a therapist to help sort it all out. The rest of the year follows her crazy adventures from trying to hook up with the boy she likes, Paxton H-Y, to running away from home, to scattering her father's ashes, to kissing her archenemy.

Accompanying the rise of this Netflix Original, “Never Have I Ever”, comes the meteoric rise of the Tamil-Canadian 18-year-old playing the lead role of Devi, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Her success in landing and executing her role is a commendable breakthrough in the industry for Indian actresses in the Western world. The focus of the show is meant to be exploring the life of an Indian-American teenager, however, there were definitely some things that I felt did not represent the life of an average Hindu Indian teen in America, but instead the wishes and figments of imagination that we have. What I’m trying to say here is, as an Indian-American teen myself, I can confirm that never have I ever experienced any of the wild events that occurred in Devi’s sophomore year of high school, at least not in the adrenaline-pumping way that she had experienced them in.

The point being that Never Have I Ever doesn’t fully embody what it truly means to be an Indian-American teenager in high school.

Devi’s life seems to be chalked up as being all about drama and her love life, only touching on things such as schoolwork rarely, excluding any instance when she finds herself at odds with her rival, Ben Gross, who holds the ranking of #2 at Sherman Oaks High, second to only Devi. But the truth about this is that a lot of us South Asian teens spend way more time studying for school and extracurriculars — the grades that Devi has don’t come easy and take a ton of hard work —which is something that is barely mentioned in the show. School can take a toll on South Asian kids whose parents have high expectations for their children’s grades, ranks, and college admissions. Long story short, it can be stressful! There isn’t much reference to the difficult levels of academic expectation and hard work that is more often than not experienced by the average Indian-American teen. And of course, there’s the moment when Paxton admits to his sister, the opinion that many people have on Desi students in America. “I’m cool, and she’s famous for like... going to the National Spelling Bee or something.” And I have to admit, that one hit me hard. It was a little painful since I was an alum of Scripps myself, but in all seriousness, I can’t argue with the fact that this is a stereotype about South Asians among most people in America. Yet if we don’t perform at high levels for academics, we’re told this classic line: “Aren’t Indians supposed to be smart or something?” These are some of the same questions about her identity that Devi experiences.

There are so many great expectations for high school, and being Indian, climbing the social ladder can be challenging. Devi must do so much more to prove herself as “cool” than the normal kids who aren’t nerds. It can be frustrating as hell trying to navigate the waters of friends and reputations when all you’re known for is your rank and your academic accomplishments instead of your bomb personality and looks. After a talk with her therapist, Devi thinks she realizes what would make her happy — sleeping with Paxton — which eventually leads to the colorful scene in the intro, but proves time and time again to be the wrong answer. In the process of trying to reinvent her image, she tries everything from posting “Tik Tok” videos to getting drunk quite a few times, to bailing on her lifelong friends for a boy who doesn’t even realize he likes her until his sister calls him out on being a dumbass and tells him to talk to her.

No doubt, there were accurate things, such as Devi being ashamed of her religion. And though I’ve never been ashamed of being Hindu, there have been times when people tried to make me feel ashamed about it. Because of her inner struggles with her religion, she can’t figure out who she really is. “Some old loser was telling me that I’m too Indian, and some other people think I’m not Indian enough! And honestly, all I wanna do is eat a donut, but I’m stuck here!” She spouts her frustration to Paxton during an unlikely encounter at her school where the Hindu Society of Sherman Oaks, California decided to hold the annual festivities for Ganesh Puja. Being brought up in a place where she practiced one culture at home, but grew into other cultures outside, proves to be confusing in figuring out her true identity —who she was, who she is, and who she wanted to be.

This is a sentiment shared by many teenage Indian-Americans, and that’s something I can vouch for. It’s hard enough trying to figure out who you are and what you want as a totally normal all-American high schooler, but then you throw cultural separation, a different language from fellow classmates, and parental expectations of being a perfect doctor into the mix and things start to get foggy and more than a little confusing.

But no matter how lost we may be, one thing about Never Have I Ever resonates with the majority of teenage girls inside us: the romantic side of Devi’s life. It almost seems like a dream, watching the most popular boy at school, Paxton, slowly fall for Devi as she opens up and eventually give her the kiss she’s been longing for as “Fire for You” plays quietly in the background, hinting at the heated feelings between the two. And suddenly when things don’t seem like they can get any more complicated in her love life, her long time rival Ben Gross tries to kiss her at his 16th birthday party. Reeling, Devi now has two boys in her life, and thinks the choice is an obvious one until Ben proves just how much he cares about her. Finally, she returns the gesture and kisses him as if there's no tomorrow as the scene fades out to a close of the first season.

Despite the nuances between Devi’s sophomore year and reality, it is safe to say that though in different ways, life can be confusing, complicated, and dramatic for everyone.

It may not be as adrenaline-pumping, romantic, or academically effortless, but it definitely has its best moments and its worst moments, just as Devi does.

caitlin cheung

corona virus: a poem

I am not a virus, I am not a conversation of topic I am simply Asian, not a contagion I live and breathe like every other person Yet somehow fears and scares have stirred up a motion Xenophobia, pandemonium, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all just commotion Who decided that something such as a virus Could simply define us History has a pattern of isolating communities Making us feel less than weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really Every single race has dealt with hate from others and the Asian community now deals with it in the palm of our hands: RACISM Every assault is a punch to the guts Every glare is a cut to the body Every word is a bullet to the head We may look the same but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t belong in the race of discriminated against We are all human, and all deserved to be loved no matter what disease is in the air Your words are more of a virus than we are.

So take the precautions, keep yourself safe, but watch your words, and watch your hate We need to be heard, every one of us, we need to learn We are not the virus

Artist | Suhita instagram | @tintedturtlecreation

Wealth Inequality: Pacific Islander Community Written by Ashley Chen

Ashley Chen is the political columnist for Overachiever Magazine. She’s an undergraduate student from New York majoring in Political Science. Her activism is centered upon voter education and civic engagement. Her other areas of interest would include educational equity, reproductive rights, gentrification, climate change and the list goes on. In her free time, she loves to watch films and create collages.

INSTAGRAM: @ash.leyyyy The month of May is an important month for the Overachiever community. We get to celebrate our diverse heritage, cultures and acknowledge pioneers in our communities. However, the dialogue surrounding Asian American Pacific Islander month often fails to adequately include and describe Pacific Islanders. When we place Pacific Islanders under this umbrella term, we need to make sure that their struggles are discussed. The idea that everyone in the Asian American Pacific Islander community is well-off is a common misconception and this generalization is in fact dangerous.

When we make generalizations, we feed into the model minority myth and perpetuate stereotypes that diminish the struggles faced by certain communities. The underrepresentation of the Pacific Islander community is an urgent matter. Especially during a month where we’re celebrating this community, we should make sure that these issues are at the forefront.

Pacific Islanders refer to those who are of Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesia descent. The United States is composed primarily of Native Hawaiians, Tongans, Samoans and Guamanian (PTA, n.d., para. 1-3). With regards to wealth inequality, almost 18% of Native Haiwaiians and Pacific Islanders are living below the poverty line in comparison to the national average rate which is 12% (White House, n.d., p. 3). In another study titled, “Financial Distress among Pacific Islanders in Southern California,” researchers found that “about one-third of the respondents reported that their household earned less than $20,000 annually” (Tanjasiri et al., 2015, p. 4). Our community members are not monolithic which is reflective in the disparities within the community. The statistics surrounding income within the Asian American Pacific Islander community itself is even more shocking. According to Pew Research, they reported that based on data from 2016, Asians in the top 10th percentile earned 10.7 times as much as those in the bottom 10th percentile (Kochhar & Ciluffo, 2018, para. 3). Not only are these numbers indicative of the work that needs to be done to close this gap, but it also speaks upon the need to disaggregate our data. Unfortunately, our data is making generalizations about our communities and that poses an issue when it comes to elected officials addressing issues. It is crucial that our data is broken down and specific to fully reflect the experiences of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

Understanding wealth inequality means also understanding the disparities within our educational system as these issues are not mutually exclusive. In fact, “49% of Native

Hawaiians, 57% of Samoans, 58% of Tongan, and 53% of Guamanian adults 25 and older have not completed a two year or four-year degree” (PNPI, 2018, para. 5).

There are several factors that contribute to the lack of enrollment for higher education which includes the inaccessibility of educational resources. Many Pacific Islander students don’t see higher education as an option for them and it’s reflective in the lack of educational support from their schools and households.

Many families are under financial stress and urge their children to find jobs after graduating from high school (Tran et al., 2010). Unfortunately, in our country, wealth and educational access are intersectional. Our system was not designed for low-income, communities of color.

The lack of support for these communities is intentional and I emphasize this idea because our institutions were built on the backs of people of color. It is these institutions that have forced these communities into a vicious cycle of poverty.

Given that we’re armed with all of this information, many of us want a course of action. We may ask ourselves: how do we advance the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community? This is where organizing and advocacy comes into the scene. Our advocacy efforts could simply be sharing stories and experiences. On a larger scale, we could organize rallies, events and meetings with our legislators to make sure that there are resources being allocated to the Pacific Islander community. Our advocacy must be intersectional which means including our Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. At Overachiever Magazine, we hope that

“The idea that everyone in the Asian American Pacific Islander community is well-off is a common misconception and this generalization is in fact dangerous.”

with every published article, there is conversation built around it. We hope that you start a conversation of your own with those in your community. We must remember that change only happens when we have those tough discussions.

References: Factsheets. (2018, September 26). Retrieved from https://pnpi.org/asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders/ Fact Sheet: What You Should Know About Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www2. ed.gov/about/inits/list/asian-americans-initiative/what-you-should-know. pdf Kochhar, R., & Cilluffo, A. (2018, July 12).

Racial and ethnic income inequality in America: 5 key findings. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2018/07/12/key-f indings-on-therise-in-income-inequality-within-americas-racial-and-ethnic-groups/ Pacific Islander American Children and Families: National PTA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pta.org/home/ run-your-pta/Diversity-Inclusion-Toolkit/supporting-multicultural-membership-growth/Pacif ic-Islander-American-Children-and-Families Tanjasiri, S. P., Takahashi, L., & Sablan-Santos, L. (2015). Financial Distress among Pacific Islanders in Southern California. AAPI nexus : Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, policy practice and community, 13(1-2), 14–24. https://doi. org/10.17953/1545-0317.13.1.14 Tran, J. H., Wong, M., Wright, E. K. A., Fa’avae, J., Cheri, A., Wat, E., ... & Foo, M. A. (2010). Understanding a Pacific Islander young adult perspective on access to higher education. Californian journal of health promotion, 8, 23.

July Aye This is a piece celebrating one of the traditional dances in Burma (Myanmar).

You can find more of Julyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work at the instagram: @julyaye

I Forget Mother Loves Me, Sometimes Written by Karen Zheng

Karen is a queer, first-generation, Chinese American, undergraduate student majoring in English and Creative Writing. She is primarily a poet and would like to publish a book of poetry soon.

INSTAGRAM: @__k.z I forget Mother loves me, sometimes. All I remember from my childhood is being left alone all day, not seeing her, and missing her. From infanthood, I was separated from Mother, so that probably affects some of my negative thinking as well. When I was a few months old, I was sent to China with a stranger. They took me to my grandparents house, and my grandparents raised me until I was four. Then, I was sent back to America, to reunite with Mother. Because my parents couldn’t take care of an infant while also working hard to earn money, they sent me to my grandparents. An easy solution, it seems. Out of sight, out of mind. I wonder if she missed me in those years. I’ve never asked.

My first memory of Mother is at LaGuardia Airport. I’m holding a stranger’s hand while they escort me around the loud, bustling footsteps of businesspeople who clearly know their destinations. I’ve been crying through the whole flight because I miss Grandma. I am still crying. Everything is blurry. I hear my nickname called. Mei yang! I look up. A skinny, vibrant woman kneels at me. She looks like the pictures of Mother I saw in China. Grandma told me this is Mother. She asks me if I know who she is. I nod.

“Because my parents couldn’t take care of an infant while also working hard to earn money, they sent me to my grandparents. An easy solution, it seems. Out of sight, out of mind. I wonder if she missed me in those years.

I’ve never asked.”

I cry. Mother hugs me. I am warm. I’m not sure why I immediately knew that she was Mother. Afterwards, Mother’s younger brother, my uncle, comes over and hands me a vanilla-colored teddy bear with a sparkling blue bowtie. I stop crying. While we wait for a taxi, I show my new family my Kung Fu moves that I practiced in China. I bet they were scared. They tried to hide it with laughter.

We moved to Georgia not long after. We bought a house. My parents started a small business, a Chinese restaurant.

Their business traumatized me. Because of the restaurant, my parents both worked 12 hours a day, every day, all year long. For money, of course. I got to see them on the weekends. During the week, after school, I go to the kitchen to get a snack, usually a tangerine or some peanut milk, my favorite. After eating, I’d do homework. After homework, I’d play a little bit by myself. For dinner, there is always a takeout box of restaurant leftovers from the previous night in the fridge. I microwaved that. I ate by myself. Alone, in the quiet house. At night, the moments between flipping off the light and dashing upstairs into my bed were agonizing. I was scared of the dark.

On the weekends, I went to the restaurant with them. I helped around as soon as I looked old enough—bussing tables, sweeping floors, getting drinks, cleaning tables. This all started when I was six. The same year, I also started Chinese school, which were held on Sundays. This means that I only saw my parents once every week during the school year. There were nights I curled in bed, reading a comic book until I heard the soft humming of their car enter the driveway. Only then did I go to sleep.

came over. I did not know about this at all. When were we throwing a party? No one notified me. My siblings and I decided to wait it out. We were uncomfortable eating with strangers, especially my dad’s friends because we had to exercise the politeness that I did not have inmy body as of then. After half an hour of waiting, Mother came upstairs and told us to come down to eat. She organized a table separate from the dining room for us. All the bowls of noodles already sitting on the table, waiting for us. She also brought our drinks, napkins, chopsticks, and some snacks. She knows I like snacking after dinner. There was even a plate of purple sweet potatoes, which are my favorite. She cooked them for me. We went to eat. It was much more comfortable. She came to check on us a few times. After dinner, my siblings usually eat fruit a few hours later. Since my dad’s friends were still downstairs, theycouldn’t go downstairs to have their snack. Right on the dot, Mother came upstairs and brought a bag of three oranges, already peeled, for us as our after-dinner treat. At that moment, I was moved. Not to mention, she did all this for us on Mother’s Day.

I grew up in this environment, limited emotional and physical interaction with my parents gave me the impression that I was not loved or I was not enough, which I still think that somedays. Flashforward to now, I am a college student, home because of the pandemic. In one of the rarest moments, I remember that Mother loves me just as much as I love her.

I haven’t felt this kind of love in a long time, or I just haven’t acknowledged or recognized her love. As a young child, I was bitter all the time. Why did my friend’s parents come to the school PTA meetings? Why did their parents come to eat lunch with them on their birthdays?

Why did their parents come to call them for dinner when we played outside? Why didn’t I have my parents by my side?

I was self-centered. I only wanted my parents to be with me. I couldn’t understand the necessity of money. They were working so hard everyday to put food in my mouth, to buy me new clothes, and to have a roof over my head. To her, I am forever in debt.

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I got her flowers and some cash because that’s what she likes. At night, my dad cooked.

He hasn’t cooked in at least five years. His cooking still tastes the same—bad. Just before dinnertime, a few of dad’s friends

Artist | Addi Miyako Addi is a biracial 4th generation Japanese American artist.

Her portfolio ranges from denim jacket customizations, handpainted Japanese fans, playful acrylic paintings, playful animal portraits, and watercolor illustrations. Her most visible project is the Botan Tarot, a watercolor illustrated tarot deck that uses themes like Japanese flower language and folklore.

Support Addi at: https://amiyakom.com/ Support on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/amiyakom Instagram: @amiyakomFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amiyakom/

Being Asian in the Time of Coronavirus Written by Hannah Braden

Hannah Braden is a second-year Publishing student at Emerson College in Boston. In the future, she is interested in writing about beauty, pop culture, and entertainment or becoming a book editor. As a Christian, she is involved with her campus’ Christian fellowship organization and attends a largely Asian-American church. She is Chinese-American and an avid traveler, having lived in five countries spanning three continents. In her free time, she loves reading (preferably fantasy or science fiction books), listening to music, and watching YouTube videos.

While on a phone call with a friend recently, we started talking about how much the coronavirus has affected us, from future plans as simple as summer vacation to current events like pushing back the Democratic National Convention. We also discussed how it has been affecting the Asian communities around the world, with people stigmatizing Asian people, especially ones wearing masks. My friend, who’s from the Philippines, said she had been on a train in the Netherlands, where she goes to university, and moved her bag from the seat next to her so a mother and her son could sit down. The unknown woman sitting facing her, told the mother and son in Dutch that my friend had the virus, so they shouldn’t sit there. My friend did not have coronavirus, and was merely wearing a mask for health precautions.

Events like these have been happening everywhere, like how graffiti has been scrawled on Asian restaurants and businesses telling the owners to ‘go back

to China’ and ‘take the Corona back’, as if every Asian (and only Asians) spread this disease. This reflects other anti-Asian sentiments I have heard about, and only continues a legacy of distrust and dislike that is already present in the United States. I have witnessed a Chinese woman being called a ‘chink’ by African-American preteens in central Boston, and with more of these events happening, my fear grows. On April 6, an Asian-American woman in Brooklyn, New York City had acid dumped on her while she was taking out the trash, causing second-degree burns. The man evidently lay in wait for her, as part of a premeditated attack, which the Asian American community reeled against. We were shocked and hurt that with everything going on, people would be causing intentional pain amidst a pandemic.

As a Chinese woman, I am grateful that nothing has personally happened to me like this, but it is evident that events like these are happening all over the world to Asian people. This makes me increasingly afraid of what could happen to me even after this pandemic quiets down, because the fear will still be present.

Some argue that Asians have infamously not stood against racism against oth er people of color, and therefore find it

“My friend did not have coronavirus, and was merely wearing a mask for health precautions.”

difficult to stand up for Asians in this trying time. While that may have seemed to be true before, now is not the time to be hypocritical, nor an excuse to keep quiet. These things may be more commonly reported in the United States, but the truth is that it’s happening globally.

Unfortunately, this is a reality that many Asians are facing, one of targeted racism, fear, and disgust.

Therefore, this issue is important not only for Asian people, but everybody, as we can all be more aware of what our actions and expressions may look like to the people around us. We can set a precedent for welcome, friendly, helpful gestures in times of need, rather than becoming known as harsh, discriminating, and cruel. It is important to hold ourselves and others accountable for our words, deeds, and ideas, as if nothing is said, nothing will change.

Coronavirus does not discriminate, as we have seen, with skyrocketing cases in Italy, the United States, and Spain. So it is even more pressing of an issue to defend those being accused of carrying the virus, as in truth, anyone can carry it, but Asians have become the scapegoat . Several ‘jokes’ have been made about Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, with people renaming the movie Train to Busan, which is about a zombie outbreak, to ‘Train to Wuhan’, or calling coronavirus the ‘Kung Flu’. Someone on Facebook posted a photo using ‘Wuhan’ as an acrostic to remind people to wash their hands, cementing the poisonous idea that they are most at fault, and needed as a reminder to stay hygienic.

These jokes are neither funny nor appropriate, as they merely continue to portray Asians as the issue and cause, when it is the disease itself that makes people sick, and anyone can carry it. Stop reposting hurtful things that you think are

funny, when they are actually damaging and racist. Politicians are not helping to dispel these racist and xenophobic ideas, with President Trump infamously calling it the ‘Chinese virus’ enabling millions of people to believe that phrasing should be used, when it obviously should not. I feel personally at fault, even though I should not, and it makes me wary when out in public, for fear of something happening to me or around me.

Now is far from the time to be stirring up hate and sowing seeds of distrust, as we should be standing in solidarity with each other. In order to do so, we need to speak up for anyone being attacked, spat on, yelled at, and the myriad of other things that are being done to Asians and Asian-Americans. Accountability of ourselves and others is also key, as if we do not educate others about why their way of thinking is derogatory and damaging, they will continue to do so. Ask those minorities or marginalized people around you how they are doing, and if there is anything you can do to help.

We need to know that there is support around us and that love will drive out this hatred. Don’t propagate fears of Asians, or the idea that it is okay to use some of the poisonous language that politicians are using. If racism happens near you, ask the targeted person if they are alright, and stand up and defend them if possible. It is more important than ever that we join together and band against this wave of hatred and fear, because that is the only way it will stop. There is hope that this epidemic will cease, and meanwhile we can treat others with grace and respect as we learn to navigate this new normal.

Artist | Mehar Bhasin

Artist | Jacquelyn Nguyen instagram | @jacquelynqn

jacqueline wu

undulation

I was waiting for dawn’s stately tresses at the intersection, For I hail from another time, trapped in its steady undulation And oh was I waiting!

My feet were sore, my blisters festering, Night was not day, day was not yet dark, Yet I have to leave my mark.

I had come from another place, A dream by a child’s sweet lips identified a myth “Tis divinity! A nymph, a fairy, a god!” She exclaimed.

A heinous sprite- two faced, a damnation common to us all Or perhaps a fiend professing truth? What truth betrays the definition?

“Tis beauty in misty eyes and smiling mouth!”

Insatiable hunger, oh tyrant in peacetime, all for despairing hope Is evading the truth, this cowardice, tempest worth?

Or is Death himself, devil crying mercy, with the promise of salvation worth?

Dare to hope or hope to dream?

Lady of the night, oh envious, cunning moon Lend your gloved hand who stole velvet from the king of Chaos And starlight for the silk caressing skin The hand that brought broken dreams And hated remembrance and brassy love And lifeless eyes-

Give me the gilded key And let in the glorious sun For I see her tresses at the intersection At the intersection between night and day And old and new.

Interview w Chef Jenny Do Interview by Kate Anderson-Song

Kate Anderson-Song is on the editorial team at Overachiever Magazine. She is a NYCbased writer, artist, and performer, with a background in Cinema Studies & Drama from New York University. You can find Kate on Instagram @k8andersonsong and @thek8pages where she posts her art, and you can find more of her work (and tons of other great stuff) here at Overachiever Magazine!

Jenny is a professional chef, author and artist specializing in multi-platform storytelling fusing food with social good. She leads a nonprofit studio named Studio ATAO and runs her own culinary consulting business. Her full biography, food portfolio and writing can be found at http://jennydorsey.co.

with orsey

Introduce yourself!

Hi! I’m Jenny. I’m a professional chef, author and speaker who focuses on the relationship of food with identity and vulnerability. I’m the founder of a nonprofit events company named Studio ATAO (more on that below) and also run my own culinary consulting business.

I’m a career changer into food -- I started out as a management consultant at Accenture out of college and went to Columbia Business School for my MBA before pivoting to culinary school. Since then I’ve worked a lot of different jobs in food, from cooking in restaurants in NYC & SF to being a barista, juice salesperson and corporate food & beverage associate.

I’m really appreciative of how much I’ve learned from these experiences and encourage everyone to explore as much as possible and not feel limited to any one career trajectory.

Now, I split my time running the Studio and while maintaining a few clients on the consulting side. I co-host Well + Good’s Alt Baking Bootcamp and write for variety of media outlets, such as Eater, VICE, Michelin Guide, Tasting Table and have a monthly soup column for Serious Eats; I’ve also written several books, most recently Healthy Cocktails (Skyhorse Publishing 2019) and the forthcoming The Infrared Grill Master (Ulysses Press 2020).

In my free time I make ceramics via my Wednesday Ceramics line and hang out with 2 dogs and 1 husband.

What is Studio ATAO? What does it do?

Studio ATAO is a JD: 501(c)3 nonprofit immersive events company that creates interdisciplinary, impact-driven content and experiences that facilitate thoughtful conversation and allyship through interpersonal connection. We are best known for our public programming series, Asian in America, a symbolic exhibition and 6-course dining experience that explores the complex narrative of the Asian American identity through food and drink,

virtual reality, spoken word performance, and poetry. Last year we also debuted HIDDEN, a multi-sensory dinner marrying virtual reality, spatial audio and dance to explore themes of cognitive dissonance, introspection and self-acceptance. We are now in pre-production for a new series titled Glass Through Skin, which delves into the normalization and invisibility of female pain.

Earlier this year we also launched our Experimental Salons model -- intimate, small group (8-12 people) dinner and facilitated discussions tailored for professionals in specific industries to come together and discuss a pertinent question related to social impact. Our last event series brought together a group of food media professionals to discuss How Can Food Media Better Present Non-White Cultures Without Tokenizing Them? and resulted in a toolkit on the topic titled “Food Media Has A Tokenization Problem”.

You also sell ceramics at Wednesday Ceramics - how did you begin doing ceramics?

I was looking for another creative outlet where I wouldn’t be worried about producing something ‘professional’, so I turned to ceramics because I love to work with my hands (and there’s an added benefit of using my own clay). I now work out of a community studio in Los Angeles called Cobalt & Clay, which is so wonderful. I try to spend a few hours on ceramics once a week, and I sell them on my personal website. All the proceeds from ceramics go towards funding Studio ATAO! What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?

Personally & work-wise? Hmm, this is a tough one. Honestly, I’m very proud of myself for overcoming what felt like big, monumental failures in my life and continuing to pick myself up and keep going.

For instance, when I was eliminated first from Chopped a few years ago - I thought

my life was over! I also was in the running for Forbes 30 Under 30 this year and didn’t get it, which again I was incredibly disappointed (it had been a goal of mine since I was 24!) but alas, I kept my chin up and kept going.

Who inspires you?

I’m a huge fan of my friend Ashtin Berry, who I met last year at a conference called FAB and I’ve been learning from ever since. She’s been leading the way in decolonizing our food systems and building in equity for hospitality workers at every level.

What are your ultimate comfort foods?

Juicy soup dumplings and Shin ramen!

How has your heritage influenced your relationship with food?

Growing up, becoming a chef was never an option as a career so I usually saw food as just background noise, or something my mom was in charge of. Now that I work intimately with food and can appreciate how much it truly informs who we

are as individuals I’ve spent a lot more time digging into my own past and analyzing my memories with and around food. I recently talked about some of this in my TEDx Talk, specifically on how food creates “in” and “out” groups and my relationship with food and shame.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t listen to other people, only you know what’s best for you.

What is next for you?

My team at the Studio and I have been hard at work on Glass Through Skin, so that’s a big focus for 2020. We’re also looking to launch several more Experimental Salons -- especially a few for the Asian American community to discuss COVID-19 and how we can use this time to learn how to better approach supporting each other while unlearning the scarcity & model minority mindset as we move into the future.

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