Change, nostalgia, excitement, fear, sadness, these were all of the emotions passing through my father’s head during the last few hours. He was about to embark on the biggest journey of his life and immigrate to the United States of America. Upon arrival, he was astounded at the many small and big differences he faced, such as driving on the left-hand side instead of right-hand, or the differences between my father’s accent versus American accents. He found that the language barrier was something he was going to have to overcome. While he knew English, it was still a struggle to communicate because everyone spoke so fast. He left his home back in India, and had no direct family to help him get through these changes. Figuring out how to assimilate in an entire new country was a learning experience for my father. Most things he learned by trial and error. During times of difficulties, my father turned to a small framed picture of one of the Jain gods. He believed that it served as a source of inspiration and hope when he felt like giving up. After a while, he was able to make friends, and a few months later my mother joined him in the United States. Together they were able to conquer the struggles of immigration and soon started a family here. Love, comfortable, achievement, success were emotions my father felt after realizing that he could be able to provide his family with opportunity in this country.

– Namita

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant