I volunteered as a youth ambassador at the Hindu temple in Denver. As part of my role, I worked with the White, Hispanic, African-American and the second generation Indian-Americans to understand the cultural differences and similarities. I am part of the new world of second generation Indian Americans who learned how to fuse Indian traditions with American notions. I am an American, by birth and geography. I grew up as an Indian. I know the difference between Starbucks chai latte and mom-made masala chai. I can switch from Telugu to English without missing a beat. I am an Indian by color and spiritual inspiration. I can think of a hundred ways in which I am American; my love for sitcoms, need for independence and a taste for rap music. I
