When I was growing up, the fear of speaking my mind, expressing my thoughts, and sharing my story was like an unwelcome ghost always hovering over me. I was born to teenage parents in India who, despite their young age and lack of education, harbored immense dreams for their children. My parents saw opportunities in the United States that they could only dream of back home, so they took a bold step and moved us here.
Growing up as an undocumented immigrant was not easy; it was one of the most challenging aspects of my life. I lived without a social security number, without a driver’s license, unable to take up a job, unable to travel freely, always under the fear of being removed from the country that I had begun to call home. It often felt like the odds were insurmountable, and there were countless moments when I felt like an imposter, my voice suffocated under the fear of not belonging.
But what I’ve come to realize is that our voices matter, our stories matter. Everyone’s story is their own unique narrative, filled with struggles and triumphs, obstacles and opportunities, fear and courage. The stories we live through and our voices are the most potent tools we possess. They serve as a beacon of inspiration and a force for change.
Despite all the obstacles, the US presented opportunities that allowed me to dream and turn those dreams into a reality. Today, I am an ophthalmologist, a small business owner, an MBA graduate, a real estate investor, and even an intern at NASA. If a boy from an immigrant family living paycheck to paycheck could achieve this, I assure you, anyone can.
I was always wary about sharing my journey, worried about coming across as boastful. But I’ve understood that it’s not about bragging; it’s about showing what’s possible. It’s about harnessing your story and using it to inspire others and effect change. This realization is what prompted me to step into the political sphere and run for the role of Affirmative Action Officer in the Congressional District 1 of the Tulsa Democratic Party.
The role of an Affirmative Action Officer is pivotal in promoting equal opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive community. It’s about challenging biases, breaking down barriers, and creating a world where success stories like mine are not the exception but the norm. It is about prioritizing people over politics, and realizing that real change can only happen when we focus on the individuals that make up our community.
I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve in this role. I am eager to help others in our community get the same chances that I was fortunate enough to have, to dream and to achieve.
Our voices matter. Our stories matter. And it’s time we used them to make a difference.
