College was the last thing on Pooja’s mind when her family left Guyana in 2001 and settled in Jersey City, New Jersey. Though Pooja spoke fluent English (Guyana is the only South American country whose official language is English) the transition was still overwhelming.
Meeting new people, adjusting to the fast pace of American culture and cold winters all presented challenges. Still, Pooja‘s family and her high school guidance counselor spurred her on. “My parents set the example,” said Pooja. “They pushed me to the top. They gave everything up and made themselves uncomfortable in order to give me everything necessary to be successful.”
As a first-generation college student, Pooja quickly made her mark in Political Science. Now she is here in India to find new online sincere friends from anywhere.