I was born in India and moved to USA for a better education and more opportunities as a female. I was brought up in a culture that is so different than that of the USA. In the USA, a person's lifestyle is so independent and not family oriented. In India culture is more dependent and family oriented. The decision was not made by me alone, but as a family. There is no privacy and everything is discussed openly. After moving to the USA, my family was much happier due to more job opportunities for my dad and mom. My dad has an older brother who lined up a job for him. My parents had to work really hard for my sisters and me so we could get the education that we needed. I am the oldest out of my three sisters and a brother. As the oldest daughter, I am responsible for a lot of things and setting good examples for my younger siblings. All of my life decisions impact my family in so many ways, but my mind was set for one thing and that was to get my degree and a better job. Deciding which college I should attend was the easiest decision I have made in my life. I knew exactly what I was looking for in a college, a college with an excellent academic program, smaller class sizes, good relationships between professors and students, security on campus, students and social life on campus, student organizations (Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, etc), and the desire to leave UNCP with the greatest experience in leadership, skills, knowledge, and friendship. UNCP gave me the opportunity to work with a mental health center as my internship during my last year there. Through this I gained the knowledge and experience to get out in the real world. After graduating from UNCP, I got a job in less then two months as a case manager in Lumberton, NC working with a Southeastern Regional Mental Health hospital. After working for two years, I got engaged to a man who my family chose for me. Of course, I am still active in my culture and roots from India. My marriage was arranged and I did have a traditional

The most important thing I learned at UNCP was to share, be open minded, and that life is full of surprises so not to be scared to try new things. The more experiences you get at UNCP the more it will help you out in the future. I know that being part of the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, International Student Organization, Peer Leadership, and the Leadership and Service Opportunities Program has taught me a lot about the real world.

Choose the college that is best for you and not because your friends are going to that college. Going to college for me was a dream come true because of my background. Always fight for you education even when you think you cannot afford it because there is always a way to pay for education. Education is knowledge that you will use throughout your life even after you get a job, get married, and have kids so fight for your education. College is hard, but always do your best.

UNCP professors looked at me as an individual and not a number in a classroom. Professors were always there for me when I needed them. My advisor guided me with the right courses to take in order for me to graduate on time. The professors were willing to take their time for the students, and they take pride in what you do. I do not think there is another university where a professor would do so much for their students. Also, I would like to thank UNCP for allowing me to start my own organization while I was attending UNCP. As a student I was able to come up with the International Student Organization for international students and other students who wanted to learn more about other cultures. I would like to give out my special thanks to Dr. Jones, James Bass, and Abdul Ghaffar for assisting me with ISO, "Tastes of Culture," UNCP Pageant, and many other programs throughout my college years.