Member-only story
THIS IS US
Growing Up in a Diverse Shangri-La
A unique childhood in the planned community of Columbia, MD
As a young, white girl growing up in Columbia, MD, I sought out adventure with my Indonesian, Black, Indian, Hispanic, Native American, and Jewish friends. We chased fireflies through the creek on sticky, summer nights. We created imaginary kingdoms in the woods, full of magical creatures and quests. On the Fourth of July, my best friend — who was Black and Chinese — and I rented a paddle boat and sat in the middle of Lake Kittamaqundi to watch fireworks rain down all around us.
In high school, we’d sneak to the top of the tree fort at the tot lot hidden off the bike path. We’d lay back on the splintered roof and stretch out. And we’d take in the live music of our favorite bands playing miles away at Merriweather Post Pavilion’s outdoor amphitheater. The lack of noise pollution allowed the sound to travel far from the venue’s locale, deep in Symphony Woods. Staring up at a star-filled sky, we’d almost burst with happiness.
We looked forward to our school’s yearly Multicultural Fair, and the different foods and cultures represented there. On Sundays, I worshipped my God in an interfaith center where people of all religions held their services — often simultaneously. Many of my friends did not…
