The Slow Move Over

Lisa Parady

Celebrating her native culture, Preeti Patel is shown to the right participating in a traditional Indian wedding last November. The photo is courtesy of Miss Patel.

BOSTON- Preeti Patel, 20, recalls her childhood in Maryland as being comparable to her parents’ native town in India with a major change in culture, of course. In a recent interview conducted in Preeti’s dorm room on the Boston University campus, Preeti states she been visiting the town of Rajkot, India, “every other year since I was born.” Although raised in the United States, she holds true to her family’s culture daily.

Preeti has been living in a nine-person house in Glenwood, M.D. for five years. “My family has always stuck together. I remember my father telling me when he first immigrated over to America he was living in a one-bedroom with eight of his family members,” Preeti said.

Born in Rajkot, Harshil Patel, Preeti’s father, was one of 10 siblings. At the age of 20, Harshil decided to educate himself in the sciences to “make a better life.” He was one out of four sons of the family to attend a university. Harshil’s eldest brother was the first to leave India in search for something better in America. “This allowed my father to come over to America after obtaining an H-1 working visa. Slowly, the whole family moved over.”

Preeti is well versed in her father’s history. “He just loves to tell stories!” According to Preeti, her mother has a much simpler background. Akta Patel also attended a university, where she met the brothers of Harshil and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Akta was pre-arranged to marry Harshil after her graduation in India. After their engagement in 1977, Harshil and Akta decided to immigrate to America to follow Harshil’s brother.

Harshil now runs a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Maryland. The family lives in a large home filled with relatives and tradition. “My family is firm on not eating meat. I wish I grew up eating meat, but they just aren’t like that.”

While Preeti embraces her Indian culture, she does state, “I am happy to have been born in America.” Preeti’s dark black hair runs the length of her back. She has large, rounded brown eyes, and her bright white smile shines against her dark skin. Preeti can be found in GAP blue jeans, a black tee-shirt, and a well embellished, beaded and bright turquoise scarf wrapped around her neck. “These scarves are so beautiful, and they are set in my tradition.”

Preeti continues, “I feel lucky to be living here. Almost my entire family is here, everyone except two of my cousins.” Preeti states that one of her cousins has been waiting almost 30 years to immigrate to the United States.

While she admits she is not certain on what policies the United States has on immigration, Preeti did say, “The process is ridiculous.” She continued by saying her family will wait and follow the legal process. “I don’t understand how so many illegal immigrants are able to get through the system here,” Preeti said. She was firm in stating her family has followed all rules and regulations.

Preeti’s final comment on immigration was that she hopes to see her entire family living in America one day. She states, “I’m not sure why it has taken my cousin this long. Sometimes you just have to wait.”