My name is Myna, and I moved from India to Fremont about eight months ago. My family came here for better education opportunities for me and my brother, especially since my brother is going to college soon. My dad also received a job offer, which accelerated the move.
The biggest change was the structure of the school. In India, we had a lot more subjects. I took English, math, history, geography, civics, physics, chemistry, biology, and even extra classes like art, yoga, theater, computer science, and multiple languages. My days were always full. Here, I take around six classes, and compared to my old schedule, it feels a lot lighter. There’s also much more freedom. Teachers don’t watch you as closely, and students move around campus whenever they want.
One of my biggest culture shocks was the difference in independence. In India, there are small corner stores and shops everywhere, and the streets are always full of people. Even though Fremont is pretty populated, it still feels pretty quiet, and people almost always keep to themselves unless they’ve already made plans with friends. I also noticed how often people use their phones instead of interacting with others. Back home, if you didn’t know someone, you’d still find a way to talk, but here, people immediately turn to their screens.
I noticed that people aren’t as polite to their elders as they are in India. In India, respecting our elders is a huge part of society. I get the whole aspect of treating your parents or other adults as your “friends,” but I find it weird when students constantly talk back to their teachers; teachers in India would never tolerate that kind of disrespect/.
In India, we had uniforms, strict rules about hair and appearance, and people could be very judgmental about how students, especially girls, presented themselves. Even small things, like putting on lip balm, could cause a huge commotion and unnecessary comments. I like how I can wear what I want here, and express myself without being questioned. I think I’ve become more confident and self-loving since I’ve moved to the U.S.
I miss my friends in India. Their constant presence was what kept me going in school, but I know they are rooting for me. I still call my friends often, sometimes even during school, just to feel connected to them.
Moving has given me the opportunity to balance my culture with the new freedom that I have gained. It’s allowed me to feel more comfortable in my own skin, which is what has made this experience memorable.
