The first thing people see when they look at me is my skin, probably because I am a first generation Indian-American. My cultural identity is so obvious in my physical appearance, that people often make incorrect assumptions about me. Don't get me wrong, I am immensely proud of where my family comes from, however, I am so much more than just an Indian. There's a running joke in the Indian community that the children of immigrants are known as ABCDs, or American Born Confused Desi, which basically means that we have no idea who or what we are. For a long time I believed that description was perfect for me. However, for the past couple of years I realized that I didn't want to be that Indian girl who didn't act Indian. I decided to embrace the things I enjoyed about the different cultural influences in my life. Being an Indian has taught me to respect the differences in all cultures. My parents taught me to appreciate diversity and treat it with respect. I learned not to be judgmental about the traditions, clothes, or food of other cultures. However, being an American has taught me to have pride in myself and the people around me. There is no one I respect more than my family, friends and fellow Americans. I love the opportunities given to me that I wouldn't have anywhere else. I love America's determination to succeed, but most of all I love my country and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Trying to figure out who I really am has taught me the greatest lesson of all, I am an individual and my identity is unique to me.
Has to be less than 300 words and is currently 280. Thanks in advance
Has to be less than 300 words and is currently 280. Thanks in advance
