Unchained Dreams
Akshatha Komane Duggappa
Stephen Hawking once said, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious” (Hawking, n.d.). Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease that damages nerve cells and muscles, Hawking’s life showcases incredible determination and curiosity. Doctors initially predicted he would only have about two years to live, but Hawking’s strong will, dreams, and relentless pursuit of understanding the universe allowed him to live for more than fifty additional years. His success, despite severe health issues, is a powerful example of overcoming obstacles through perseverance. Inspired by his story, I reflect on my own journey, which also involves seeking meaning and growth. Just as Hawking’s achievements make me wonder, “If he could do it, why can’t I?”, this question motivates me to pursue my dreams with similar resolve. His ability to achieve so much despite his physical challenges encourages me to tackle my own difficulties with the same determination and curiosity. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, I am driven to follow my own path and strive towards my goals, inspired by Hawking’s extraordinary example of resilience and exploration.
I grew up in southern India, surrounded by green fields and close friends. My childhood was full of village life, like morning prayers and fun festivals that everyone enjoyed. Going to school was important but sometimes tough because of our traditional beliefs. My family, who loves our culture, taught me to respect our customs, language, and elders. Our festivals and family gatherings were joyful times with rituals, music, and yummy food that celebrated our heritage. After school, I moved to a different city, a busy city where old traditions mix with fast progress. I started working in the city’s tech industry, which is known worldwide. That city isn’t just for jobs it’s a mix of cultures, where I met people from all over. I learned new ways of life and made friends from different backgrounds, which helped me understand the world better. During the global pandemic, life changed suddenly. In uncertain times, I found love and moved to the United States with my partner. Adjusting to a new country brought challenges, especially since English wasn’t widely spoken where I grew up. Simple tasks like shopping or doing paperwork became chances to learn and adapt. Dealing with these challenges has shaped who I am now. Looking back on my journey from a small village in India to living in the United States, I’m thankful for how these experiences shaped me. They’ve widened my views and deepened my understanding of the world and where I fit in it. My identity is a mix of different experiences, cultures, and challenges I’ve overcome a sign of strength and the human spirit.
I grew up in a place where women are treated like the image of god, yet at the same time, many Indian parents prefer boys over girls due to social norms, beliefs, and concerns for the safety of girl children. However, I am one of three daughters, and despite this cultural backdrop, my parents raised with a strong bundle of ethics and values with proper education. “Intersectionality is about how multiple aspects of identity intersect to shape our experiences: race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, and more” (Crenshaw, 1989). In India, my identity as a woman was deeply shaped by cultural expectations and biases. However, upon arriving in the United States, I noticed the absence of gender inequality, which made me very happy and inspired. But I started facing a new set of challenges that altered my perspective. As a newcomer with limited English proficiency and unfamiliarity with local customs, I encountered difficulties in social integration and finding professional opportunities. My identity as an educated, middle-class woman from India intersected with my immigrant status, English proficiency, and educational background, affecting my ability to secure meaningful employment. In response to these challenges, I began taking ELL classes at LWTech to improve my English proficiency. Now enrolled in their CSNT program, I am actively enhancing my skills and qualifications to better integrate into the American workforce.
No matter how tough life gets, there is always something you can do and succeed at. while starting over in a new country presents numerous challenges, success is achievable for those who perceive obstacles as opportunities rather than setbacks. As an immigrant woman navigating a foreign land with unfamiliar cultural norms and harsh weather conditions, I initially struggled with low confidence and communication barriers. These difficulties felt overwhelming at first, but my understanding shifted when I began to see them not as impediments but as chances for personal and professional growth. By exploring my new environment and actively seeking out resources such as language classes and community support, I was able to turn these challenges into steppingstones towards my goals. Observing others in similar situations reinforced this realization. Many immigrant women with solid educational backgrounds and good English proficiency also found the adaptation process daunting. Their breakthrough came when they recognized that these hurdles were integral to their journey towards success. By embracing the immigrant experience as an opportunity for growth, rather than a hindrance, we can transform obstacles into pathways to achieving our dreams. This change in perspective has been transformative, empowering me and many others to face our new lives with renewed confidence and determination. Viewing our immigrant challenges as opportunities helps us thrive and reach our aspirations in our new surroundings.
References
Hawking, S. (n.d.). Quote about curiosity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/world/europe/stephen-hawking-quotes.html
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167