August 30, 1985 — A Place Called Home

I looked out the window of the plane and saw the ‘Hollywood’ sign on the hilltop, overlooking Los Angeles, CA. Nervous, excited, a tad apprehensive. As I took the bus into Anaheim, I remember thinking to myself – “there are no people in this country.” All I saw were cars zipping down the freeway and little else.

That was 29 years ago, the Friday before Labor Day, when I checked into Chapman University to start my MBA. The weekend was a blur of endless walking and jet lag. And, yes, very little food.

In those early years I learned a lot about myself. I learned to appreciate the dignity of labor, the importance of working hard without a focus on reward and digging deep when the going got tough. And that the pipe dreams of Hollywood glamor are best left to the silver screen.

It seems like a lifetime ago that my US dream became a reality. I try not to lose sight of where I started, or my Indian roots, for that matter.  This has been an eventful week for certain.  My daughter, Jasmine, turned 23 this past Monday. I started my 25th year at UT. And now this very special anniversary, of my journey to America.

I love America, and feel blessed and proud, to live in this beautiful country.