Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York: Sneha, 33, from India

Photo by Sasha Nialla

Sneha’s photograph and story were curated as part of the photo and storytelling exhibit, “Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York.”

I came to the US with my husband, leaving behind my family, friends, and a job I loved. It was overwhelming for a while to be all by myself in a foreign country. In India I was used to having people around me all the time. I also had my parents to help me with the care of my son, and household help when I was working.

As I’ve been adjusting to my new way of life in the US, I’ve learned skills that I never had the opportunity to develop or use previously in my home country. I began to drive, taught myself to swim, and have been working to make my dreams for my career a reality. Soon, I hope to say I’ll be able to fly!

“Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York” was a one-time event hosted by New Women New Yorkers at the Centre for Social Innovation on March 24, in honor of Women’s History Month. Read a recap of the event here.