As an immigrant from Bangladesh myself who moved to Wisconsin in 1990 at age three, I loved reading this! I have lots of fond memories of growing up with my siblings but it was less so of the place (two different small towns in Wisconsin) and more so with people. Growing up bicultural has its challenges but I’m glad to read how you found your footing. I live in Madison WI now and absolutely love the mid-size city. Columbus sounds very cool - can’t believe there are only-bangla plays there!
It’s so interesting hearing you talk about your home town! It makes me think about the town I went to college in in Georgia. Even though it’s not technically my “hometown” it’s the only place in Georgia that ever felt like home, and the only one that gives me the same feelings you expressed here…I LOVE Bay Area weather. I have learned that being hot is one of my least favorite things. But I do miss summer nights and pretty much everything about fall. 🌟🍂
This is a lovely tribute to Columbus! I still don't want to go back to Dallas, but there were charming things about growing up near Turtle Creek and grabbing tiny crawdads out of the creek and just having to be home by dark. I do hope my kids consider smaller towns after their big city experiences - what a blessing ro have both. Love your photos!
Great post. I always felt Columbus was so similar to Raleigh when I first visited there as a teenager for an ISNA convention. I had a very similar experience growing up in a Pakistani Muslim family here. Only difference is we have easy access to an ocean :). Thanks for sharing. I met you through mutual friends years ago btw glad to hear you are doing well.
Phenomenal! Now I want to hear more about your Grandfather.
Thanks! Maybe I'll have to write a whole post, just about him.
Might have to move to Columbus now!
Do it! (I'll be jealous).
As an immigrant from Bangladesh myself who moved to Wisconsin in 1990 at age three, I loved reading this! I have lots of fond memories of growing up with my siblings but it was less so of the place (two different small towns in Wisconsin) and more so with people. Growing up bicultural has its challenges but I’m glad to read how you found your footing. I live in Madison WI now and absolutely love the mid-size city. Columbus sounds very cool - can’t believe there are only-bangla plays there!
Thanks so much! As another midwesterner, I know you totally get it!
It’s so interesting hearing you talk about your home town! It makes me think about the town I went to college in in Georgia. Even though it’s not technically my “hometown” it’s the only place in Georgia that ever felt like home, and the only one that gives me the same feelings you expressed here…I LOVE Bay Area weather. I have learned that being hot is one of my least favorite things. But I do miss summer nights and pretty much everything about fall. 🌟🍂
I loved reading your words about Columbus! It's time for another football game :)
Agree! We should try to make October this year happen! ❤️
This is a lovely tribute to Columbus! I still don't want to go back to Dallas, but there were charming things about growing up near Turtle Creek and grabbing tiny crawdads out of the creek and just having to be home by dark. I do hope my kids consider smaller towns after their big city experiences - what a blessing ro have both. Love your photos!
Thanks Ashley! What a sweet image—grabbing crawdads out of the creek at dusk. Would love to read about that if you ever write about it.
Great post. I always felt Columbus was so similar to Raleigh when I first visited there as a teenager for an ISNA convention. I had a very similar experience growing up in a Pakistani Muslim family here. Only difference is we have easy access to an ocean :). Thanks for sharing. I met you through mutual friends years ago btw glad to hear you are doing well.
Of course, I remember you Saliha, thanks for saying hi, I hope our paths cross again someday :)
I really love the shape of Ohio on the map.
An elegy to the Midwest! Lovely story.
Thanks Michelle!