WHO YOU ARE MATTERS

Where do I come from? 

My family moved around the US several times before finally settling in Chicago (in the city, not in the suburbs). Specifically, I grew up on the Southside of Chicago at the crossroads of 47th St and Drexel Blvd. 

Where am I going? 

I've always lived in big cities. From growing up in Chicago to attending college in LA, I now have my sights set on the largest metropolis in the United States: New York City. 

How am I going to get there? 

I usually live by the idea that "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey," as Ralph Waldo Emerson said. However, to get to New York, I will be taking a direct flight from LAX to LGA armed with nothing but an overpacked suitcase, a job offer, and a dream.

How I am like my parents: 

I've definitely picked up some of my parents' traits, such as their strong work ethic, and optimism. From my mom, I've inherited her share of strength in being independent and perceptiveness, and from my dad, I've gained his spontaneity and problem-solving skills.

How I am unlike my parents: 

While my parents came to the U.S. as immigrants from India, I was born and raised here, immersed in Western culture and values, which influenced me to be more open-minded and progressive. 

How I have developed my own expectations for myself:

When I was growing up, my parents were working long hours and weren't home often to offer their guidance, so I had to learn some difficult life lessons on my own. From then on, I learned how to set my own standards and expectations when no one else was there to set them for me.

My role model who lives life with passion and personal responsibility:

I know the question said not to choose a relative, but I couldn't think of a better role model who exemplifies these qualities than my grandmother. Despite her parents’ objections, she left home at 15 to attend dance school and continued to follow her passion, teaching dance and performing until she was 70 years old. 

A wild animal I feel a special connection with:

I've recently developed a special connection with birds, specifically mourning doves. A few days after my beloved dog Yogi passed away at home while I was in L.A., a mourning dove began visiting me, sitting on my patio every day. Even when I went outside to get a closer look, it wouldn’t fly away. In Hinduism, we believe in reincarnation, and while it might sound like wishful thinking, I truly believe this was Yogi coming down to visit me. 

A significant childhood encounter with nature: 

One significant childhood encounter I had with nature was with a palm tree. While sitting in a garden, I noticed, perhaps due to my childlike imagination, a palm tree that seemed to be calling me over with its leaves and performing tricks. I remember wondering why it was moving like that, especially since there was no wind, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. 

Horoscope: 

Sun Sign: Libra

Moon Sign: Libra

Rising Sign: Aquarius