As an Indian teen who has lived in Florida since I was just 7 months old, my life has always been a blend of two different worlds. While I carry the rich heritage and traditions of my Indian roots, I also live in a place that thrives on a completely different set of values, lifestyles, and expectations. Growing up in the U.S., far from the streets of India, has shaped how I see the world around me — and I often notice that my perspective is a little different from many of my peers.
The Family Bond That Defines Me
In Florida, I am surrounded by a culture that values independence and personal freedom, especially as a teenager. But for me, the idea of family is everything. In Indian culture, family isn’t just a group of people you live with — it’s the backbone of your identity. While my American friends might prioritize personal space or the freedom to make decisions independently, I’m used to a much more interconnected way of living. My family’s opinions and advice play an important role in shaping my choices, from schoolwork to relationships. It’s something that I’ve learned to embrace, even though it can sometimes feel like a lot of pressure.
It’s interesting to see how my friends approach life with a sense of individualism that’s so different from the collective approach I’ve grown up with. While I admire their freedom, I also see the deep value in the sense of security and love that family brings. The Indian idea that family is a source of strength is something I carry with me, and it influences how I interact with the people I care about.
The Struggle Between Two Identities
Living in Florida, I’m surrounded by people who often don’t understand the complexities of my cultural identity. To them, I might just be “that girl from India,” or simply “another brown person,” without fully recognizing the layers that come with it. On the other hand, in India, I’m considered someone who doesn’t quite fit the mold because I grew up abroad. This has led me to often feel like I don’t fully belong anywhere. But I’ve realized that this struggle is what makes me unique.
At times, I feel torn between the two cultures. I’m American enough to understand the freedom that comes with living here, and I’m Indian enough to appreciate the values of respect, tradition, and family. Balancing both is sometimes tricky — especially when it comes to things like holidays, fashion, or even the way I communicate. For example, while I might be excited to hang out with friends on a Friday night, there’s always the reminder of the importance of family dinners, cultural celebrations, and the value of staying connected to my Indian roots. It’s a balancing act I’m still learning to navigate every day, but it’s also what makes me feel proud of my unique identity.
How I See the World Through Indian Eyes
Living in Florida, I see things differently from some of my American peers. For one, I’ve learned to see the world through the lens of collective responsibility. In American culture, individualism is often celebrated. People are encouraged to follow their passions, make their own decisions, and carve out their own paths. While this is empowering, I also see the importance of recognizing the impact our actions have on others — whether it’s our families, friends, or even our communities.
Get gauri’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
This mindset comes from my Indian upbringing, where concepts like karma (the idea that your actions come back to you) and dharm (following your duty or purpose) guide how we live. I often find myself thinking about the bigger picture — the ripple effects my actions might have on those around me. While my American friends might focus on the “here and now,” I’ve learned to consider the long-term consequences of my choices.
Additionally, growing up in Florida with Indian eyes has made me appreciate diversity in a way that many people might not. In India, diversity is everywhere. From different languages, cultures, and religions to various ways of life, I’ve always been aware of how much we all bring to the table. It’s something that feels natural to me. But in Florida, I see that diversity isn’t always embraced in the same way. There’s a lot of segregation, whether it’s racial, cultural, or even within communities. Seeing that difference, I value the richness of cultural exchange even more. It reminds me that true growth comes from understanding people who are different from you, something that’s been ingrained in me from my Indian roots.
A Global Perspective: How India and Florida Shape My Views
Living between two cultures has given me a perspective that’s both wide and deep. When I look at the world, I don’t just see it through the lens of American pop culture or through the lens of Indian tradition — I see both. I see the beauty in tradition, in the way people hold on to their past with pride, and I also see the exhilaration in change, in the way technology, modern thought, and new experiences shape the future.
For example, I view the global conversation about social justice, equality, and rights through the fusion of what I’ve learned — where social norms can be rigid and progress is slow — and what I experience in the U.S., where activism and change happen rapidly but can sometimes lack the cultural sensitivity that people from different backgrounds might need.
I’ve learned to navigate these two realities and find ways to appreciate both. India taught me to value humility, respect, and tradition, while Florida taught me to embrace new ideas, question everything, and pursue my own dreams. Together, these two worlds help me see things differently.
Embracing My Unique Identity
Being an Indian girl living in Florida has made me realize that I am constantly shifting between two identities, and that’s okay. I don’t have to pick one or the other. I am both: an American and Indian Teen, and I’m proud of it. The way I see the world is shaped by the unique intersection of these cultures, and that’s what makes me, and my perspective, different.
So, while my peers might not always understand why I sometimes wear traditional clothes or why I’m so focused on my family’s well-being, I know that these differences are what make me who I am. Through my Indian eyes, I’ve learned to look beyond surface-level differences and appreciate the depth of cultures, beliefs, and values that define us all.
