My parents’ journey to America has been a story that has been told in my household a countless number of times but every time I find the tale more interesting than the last. My parents were both brought up in rural Bangladesh during a time of political turmoil. Bangladesh was fighting for its independence against their mother country of Pakistan and this revolution affected every citizen of the small country of Bangladesh in one-way or another. Tanks would roam the streets ready to put down any revolutionary sentiment. Continue reading Immigration Narrative
Category Archives: Immigration Narrative
Coming from the Dominican Republic…
My extended family had already settled in the United States in the 1970’s prior to my parents immigrating. Many of my aunts and uncles had come with their families to either build businesses or to get a better education; basically the opportunities that most people come to America for. My father was the first person to come to the US. Continue reading Coming from the Dominican Republic…
Texas
I moved to New York from Texas in August and it’s been the most transformative experience of my life. I’ve fallen in love with the busy city, but I’m also homesick for the South. Before I moved, I felt very little connection to Texas; politically, religiously, I felt like an outsider. After I moved, however, I’ve felt a connection to the Lone Star State that previously would’ve made me roll my eyes and make a Rick Perry joke. Continue reading Texas
Immigration and Ideals
“Call your uncle. He’s our Christopher Columbus,” my father told me.
After immediate family, my uncle was the first relative I told of my decision to enroll in the BA/MD and Macaulay Honors Programs at Brooklyn College. My parents were very happy with both my acceptance and enrollment, and they knew that my uncle would be incredibly proud. He had always wanted a doctor in the family. After I told my uncle, my father took the phone to speak to the man who had been the first of our family to come to America. He and his wife, my aunt by blood, had then proceeded to sponsor my other aunt and my father as well as their families. Continue reading Immigration and Ideals
Jaya He- Victory to Thee
“Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light…” These words can be heard at the start of every game, assemble, and patriotic gathering. These words have the power to move the American spirit and even bring tears to the eyes of the truly proud. However, for many Americans another anthem also runs through their veins. Another song can bring them together. Another song has the power to move them to tears. For me, it’s “Jaya jaya jaya, Jaya He – Victory, victory victory to thee” the Indian national anthem. Continue reading Jaya He- Victory to Thee
