An Immigrant Full of Passion and Perseverance
An Interview with Kinnari Udeshi
By Sia Asher
Immigration is the act of moving and living in a foreign country. Whether it's in a hospital or a bank, our society depends on immigrant intellect. However, the challenges immigrants face are so definite yet not widespread. Udeshi likes to say, “Moving to a different country brings a lot of cultural and linguistic challenges that society completely underestimates.” From the small amounts of face-to-face time I have had with Ms. Udeshi, I’ve learned that perseverance is the number one key to success.
Kinnari Udeshi is an Indian immigrant who came to Canada all alone and at a very young age. She faced many roadblocks but never gave up. I have always been expected to carry on Ms. Udeshi’s legacy, but I never knew what it took to be so successful. After the conversations we had together over this project, I have been taught what it takes to hold such an admirable name: perseverance.
My childhood has resonated with Ms. Udeshi’s achievements and how I should follow her footprints. I have overheard her prosperous title (business manager) thousands of times, but my young brain could never process what it meant to hold a name like that. Ms. Udeshi’s story is one of a kind, and I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity to cherish it.
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
One thing that I’m proud of as an international student is moving to and settling in a different country. Moving to a different country brings cultural and linguistic challenges that require so much courage and perseverance. Thriving academically, building new friendships, and creating a life away from family is difficult. But every milestone and everything that I've achieved during this process has given me a worthy moment in my life. There were many hardships in between, but in the end, everything was sorted out.
What childhood experiences do you think shaped you into being so persevering?
Seeing my parents work diligently when I was a kid pushed me to follow in their footsteps. They both worked hard to keep the household running and to be successful at their jobs. This double role model has helped me to go forward and live alone, where I have to push through my problems without anyone to fix them for me.
What values were important to you during these experiences?
Firstly, having the willpower to keep doing what you are doing. When I first came, I experienced so many hardships, and it wore me out. It made me question myself and the decisions I was making. I was like, Why am I doing this? I have a better life at home, why am I still here? I carried determination. Respect was also important to me. Everyone has a different story, and everyone is fighting the same war against life. Being respectful towards others will help you build trust between people. It helped me find a good community to surround myself with.
What advice do you have for future generations, people like me who are working through middle and high school?
Be curious and ask questions. Don’t ever introvert yourself because you're scared of judgment or what other people will think. And I know I am repeating myself, but never give up. Hold your head high. Be willing to face any challenges thrown at you. Also, be open-minded. People have different mindsets and different perspectives, and be open to that. Prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Good mental health will always help you succeed in life.
What do you wish young people would understand today?
No one should have a fear of failure. Failure is going to be there at some point in your life. Failure is bound to happen to everyone, regardless of who you are. Even Taylor Swift has faced some failure at some point in her life. One might experience failure early, while others face it at a later stage in life. I know I’m preaching, but everyone should always be capable enough to face fears, and never be discomforted with failures.
What is your opinion on ChatGPT and AI?
They have their pros and cons. They take our jobs and do them for free. I don’t think that artificial intelligence is too beneficial for students because I see a lot of them doing their homework with these tools. It’s terrible because young people, like you, need to learn how to think for themselves. If this generation keeps using AI while growing up, they will be reliant on it when they are older. Children won’t be able to process their own words because AI has continuously done it for them. AI isn’t authentic or even accurate. We have seen so many different cases where AI has not shown its best. However, AI has also played a positive role in certain industries. For example, AI-based robots have helped with healthcare and medicine. So, I would say, be knowledgeable about AI, but don't completely rely on it.
What lessons would you like to end with? What morals do you think younger people should live by?
Perseverance is key to living a happy, luxurious life. Your generation is always trying to find the easy way out. Unfortunately, quitting won’t feel great in the long run. Always keep trying, regardless of the situation. No matter what cards life deals at you, never quit the game.
