Sridevi Rao or "Sri" describes first being in New York City as "love at first sight." 58-year-old professor from Kerala, India, who moved to the U.S. in 2001 for a PhD at Temple University, Sri currently teaches at Ramapo College of New Jersey while residing in New York City. One of the objects she brought with her to the United States was a miniature elephant. Elephants are very important religious and cultural symbols in India, and even a major part of the logging industry. As a little girl, Sri use to watch them on the street adorned in brilliant colors for various festivals. 

Since a life sized elephant may not be as easily feasible, she treasures her "tiny elephant" as a little piece of home. Today Sri's college colleagues host cultural events like Holi and Diwali. Despite describing the faculty as very diverse, she's observed a decline in Nepali students due to visa regulations. 

Coming from Kerala, India, she benefited from an environment that prioritized female education, yet she still experienced strict traditional gender roles regarding domestic responsibilities. Living in the United States, particularly after moving to New York City in 2021, has offered her a liberating sense of freedom and personal safety as a woman living alone. While she does not actively seek out new South Asian social groups in the city. Still, Sri feels a profound feeling of belonging and comfort living in New York. 

– Mira Goodman

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant