Growing New Roots

Fredrick Douglass ~NY Historical Scociety

           For this evenings entry I’m going to modify my original plan, of relating historical conflict to the modern-day, and discuss how past experiences have shaped me as a person. I do not normally like to talk about myself, in excess, but I believe that it is important for people to document important life events and how it has helped them grow. This can be seen, historically, with the Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, an American Slave, stating that he ”… wish[es] [he] could commit to paper the feelings with which [he] beheld” (Douglass 50). Douglass does just this, as he tells the story of him as a slave, and all the external factors that make him into the man we know him to be.

            One major transition that I made, early in life, was moving from Wilmington, Delaware to Chicago, Illinois. Wilmington was a relatively quiet city that did not have the bustling atmosphere that Chicago does. In addition, our old home in Wilmington was the place I was where I spent my infancy, and first 7 years of my life. Looking back at the move, I would not expect a 7 year old to be so deeply affected by it, but I distinctly remember being very homesick for my first 2-3 years in Chicago. Despite all my initial displeasure, I can safely say that living in Chicago benefited me greatly. Admittedly, it was an awkward transition, but the community I moved into shaped me both mentally and spiritually.

Hindu Mandir of Lake County

            Something that I did not expect to happen was an increase in my spirituality. I am a practicing Hindu, but I was never very active with any temples or religious groups within the community. After moving to Chicago, I found a small, but tight knit group of fellow American bourn Indians who wanted to explore our cultural identity. We would go to the temple, which was about 30 minutes away from home, and made it a communal activity for Saturday mornings. This turned into something that we began looking forward to, as we would spend the rest of the days with each other. Despite all everything else that happened, early on, this has to be one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had.

Moving is difficult for anyone, and it proved to be quite disorienting for me. By having a close group of friends, it made the transition smoother, laying a strong moral and spiritual foundation for my future. Though I am not as active, in the Hindu community in Irvine, I will always hold my group of temple friends close to heart. While I cannot compare the hardships of moving, to what Fredrick Douglas had to go through, writing this entry has opened my eyes to all that I can recall, and document through writing. Though this entry has largely been me reminiscing over my youth, I am glad that I can write it down, and understand how these experiences have made me who I am.

Works Cited

Douglass, Fredrick. Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass. New York: Penguin

Group, 1845. Print.