THIS IS US

Growing Up in a Diverse Shangri-La

A unique childhood in the planned community of Columbia, MD

Lake Kittamaqundi, downtown Columbia. Image from author’s personal collection

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…