In today’s world, diversity is often the key to survival and success– be it a diversified portfolio, a
diversified workforce, or diversified revenue streams. In that same strain, a diversified student body- one
of myriad colors, cultures, and life experiences- is the most vibrant and dynamic one, where every student
is also the teacher, and every individual, an indispensable component of the larger academic and social
framework.
With my immigrant background and varied life experiences, I feel that I can make an important
contribution to the diversity table. On June 1st, 2010, I embarked on a journey that millions of aspiring
Americans have made before me, a journey that has been repeated a countless times over hundreds of
years, a journey spanning thousands of miles with a myriad origins but one destination, a journey steeped
in hope, promise, and dreams: on that day, I left my native country, India, to emigrate to the United
States. As the skyline of the City of Angels broke over the stunning blue horizon, I could not but help
think that this was the twenty-first century version of the Statue of Liberty, much less romantic of course,
but every bit just as dramatic. And as I filed through the sanitized halls of the Los Angeles International
Airport, I realized I was experiencing my own Ellis Island, sans the “huddled masses yearning to breathe
free, /The wretched refuse of your teeming shore“. On that day, I began a new life in a new country, and
without a doubt, it has been an experience without equal in my eighteen years so far.
Five months have now elapsed since that fateful day, and so much as transpired over the course of this
short period of time. Everything, from finding a place to live to making ends meets to getting a part time
job to preparing for my college entrance exams, has been an amazing experience. A trip to the grocery
store or the local bank became an adventure in self-discovery. Getting my driver’s license and social
security number became an exercise in perseverance. And learning about the vagaries of American
English rendered itself to much confusion and hilarity at times. And yet, as I write today, I survey the
past few months with great satisfaction and sense of pride: Mission Accomplished!
I am beginning to think of America as my new home. As each day goes by, what was previously
daunting and frustrating and confusing has become easy and fulfilling and crystal-clear. Each and every
challenge and obstacle has proved to be a great learning opportunity and a source of personal enrichment.