Walking into Denny’s in Houston last weekend, I had my first brush with odd American rules ““ Texas seemed full of them anyway. I mean, putting up the Texan flag on pretty much every open inch of space? There’s a thin line between pride and conceit, and Texas long ago crossed that line. But back […]
Author Archives: Smita Saxena
Encourage grievers to seek help
Three years ago, my best friend’s dad died from cancer. Two weeks later, she attempted suicide. Even now, when I look back to the night when I was waiting for her to have her stomach pumped, the feelings of nausea, confusion and guilt all rush back. I say guilt specifically because I blamed myself for […]
Homeless deserve kindness
Walking down Santa Monica on my first night in Los Angeles, I officially met my first homeless person. Perpetually, and possibly even strategically, placed at the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway, his grunginess was conveniently masked by a lone street bulb. Surrounded by the trademark black trash bags, newspapers and a pillow, my first […]
Arranged marriage has merits
Why is it that the mere mention of arranged marriage incites cries of sympathy and pity? The only conclusion I can draw from these unexpected reactions is that people still have archaic notions of arranged marriage as the utmost violation of human rights. It is exactly these kinds of inferences that I believe to be […]
Make room for new experiences
Of all the relationships you develop at UCLA ““ friends, more-than-friends, hook-up buddies and whatnot ““ being roommates is definitely a category of its own. When I spoke to students at UCLA, many reiterated this. Nanette Curtis, a first-year student, agrees. “Actually living with someone changes things. You’re suddenly sharing a part of your life.” […]
Escorts shouldn’t be shunned
Are you a good-looking female searching for a job where you can be paid $2,000 per day just for being a concierge? You get to meet “affluent sports, entertainment, technology and Fortune 500 CEO clients” in a “highly discreet” environment. Sound attractive? Honestly, at first glance I personally thought, “Not bad.” I mean, apart from […]
Athlete or not, don’t stay in the closet
I’m not surprised that there are gay athletes, but I am surprised at the fact that they are closet gays. Personally, I had my first brush with homosexuality last year when I met my Resident Advisor. Walking down the halls, you can usually see him making his rounds with his clipboard and bright smile, always […]