Remembering Sana: Embracing Thrifting and Sustainability in Her Memory

Sana was a firm believer in sustainability, a value that deeply influenced her lifestyle choices, including her love for shopping. She was, in many ways, a shopaholic, but with a twist—Sana truly believed in recycling clothes, which meant thrifting was her go-to way of curating her wardrobe. In a world where consumerism often means buying new and discarding old, Sana embraced a different approach. She saw the value in giving clothes a second life, in finding beauty and utility in what others might overlook. Growing up, we were part of an environment that often looked down on thrifting or wearing secondhand clothes. It was seen as something only those in need did, rather than a conscious choice for the environment and personal style. But Sana, with her keen sense of sustainability and her sharp fashion sense, gradually changed my mindset. She showed me how thrifting was not just about being economical but about making a statement—one that aligns with a broader responsibility to the planet. Thanks to her influence, I started thrifting too, and to my surprise, I found joy in it. The thrill of discovering unique pieces, the satisfaction of knowing that I was contributing to reducing waste, and the connection to a global movement toward sustainability—all of these things became part of my shopping experience, and they connected me even more deeply to Sana’s values. This generation, especially in many parts of the world, sees the value in thrifting. What once was frowned upon is now celebrated as a smart, sustainable choice. It's also beginning to gain acceptance in Asia, where the culture around newness and material wealth has been deeply ingrained. Sana was ahead of her time in many ways, embracing a practice that was both trendy and thoughtful. In honor of her commitment to sustainability, I recently donated a whole collection of Sana’s belongings to Goodwill, a place she frequented and supported. In an odd way, it felt like I was giving back to a cause that was close to her heart. It was more than just donating clothes—it was continuing the cycle of sustainability that Sana believed in. Each piece that goes on to find a new owner carries a part of her story, her values, and her love for the planet. Today, I revisited the outlet mall with my cousin, where Sana and I had spent time shopping last November. On that trip, she had been on a mission to find the perfect Tory Burch bag. I can still picture her there, weighing her options, trying on different styles, her passion for shopping on full display. It wasn’t just about buying something new; it was about the experience, the joy of finding something she loved, and the memories we created together. Walking through that mall today, every corner, every store brought back a memory of Sana. New Jersey, in so many ways, is filled with stories of her—places we went, things we did, moments we shared. It’s like every part of the landscape holds a piece of her, reminding me of her presence in ways that Chicago doesn’t. In Chicago, life is different. The memories are not as intertwined with the physical spaces, and sometimes, that makes the grief feel different, too.But even in Chicago, where the memories are fewer, I’m reminded of the impact Sana had on my life and on the lives of those around her. Whether it’s through thrifting or simply recalling the joy she found in the little things, her legacy lives on. And as I continue to navigate life without her, these memories—these stories tied to specific places and moments—help keep her close, reminding me of the beautiful person she was and the values she held dear. Sana’s love for sustainability wasn’t just about saving the planet; it was about living mindfully, making choices that mattered, and finding joy in the simple, sustainable things. And as I continue to honor her legacy, I find myself embracing those values more and more, carrying forward the lessons she taught me in everything I do.