Immigrant Bengalis

Twelve months ago marked a pivotal point in my life. I had started a new job that was a promotion. Although I was excited about the higher salary, greater responsibility, and the chance to climb the career ladder, the position took an unexpected toll on me. Long hours kept me away from my young son and family. A colleague seemed to have a personal vendetta against me, making my work environment toxic. Deep down, I knew the role didn't align with my personality; had it not been a promotion, I wouldn't have chosen this job. After just a couple of months, I realized no amount of money or prestige was worth the toll it was taking on my health. I felt lost -- questioning my decision to stay but afraid to leap into another one I might regret even more.

Amid this inner turbulence, I turned to my journal to explore what mattered most in my life. What I wrote surprised me and became the foundation for making thoughtful decisions. I found myself leaning into my Bengali values and using those values to steer me toward a role better suited to my priorities and personality.

Being Bengali is an essential part of my identity, woven deeply into the fabric of my soul. It shapes my values—education, justice, community, the arts, critical thinking, curiosity, and a zest for life. For me, the richness of life comes not from material success but from family, friends, festivals, travel, and unconditional love.

Growing up in America, I recognized early the privileges my environment afforded me compared to the struggles faced in India during the late '80s and early '90s. I enjoyed the security of necessities, and a comfortable suburban childhood filled with dance classes and sleepovers. At the same time, my family maintained a frugal lifestyle, rarely indulging in luxuries like dining out or exotic vacations. This blend of modesty and privilege instilled in me a profound appreciation for the true wealth of supportive family and community relationships, which have been a cornerstone of my life.

My Bengali heritage naturally inclined me toward service-oriented fields such as education, healthcare, and political activism. Literature, storytelling, and the arts were interests and passions that enriched my soul. These interests guided me toward a career in public health, where I could merge my love for science with my desire to serve. However, the challenges were significant. While investigating measles outbreaks and serving on the COVID death review team were intense experiences, they paled in comparison to my struggles in a promotional role that wasn't a good fit. The team's values didn't align with mine, prompting me to reassess my career path.

As life progressed, my priorities shifted toward enhancing community bonds and dedicating more time to family. I explored roles that fostered connection and education and stumbled into an area of public health that is experimental and tailor-made for my interests: the intersection of public health and education. This area focuses on employing literacy and school attendance to improve graduation rates and decrease disciplinary events. Enhancing these markers ultimately improves population health measures, too.

Nearly a year after beginning my self-reflection, I am grateful to share that I have found a professional niche that resonates deeply with my values. As a research analyst within the Department of Public Health's education sector unit, I am dedicated to advancing equity and wellness for our county's youth. This role aligns with my ideals and allows me to honor my Bengali roots, emphasizing connection, purpose, and service over competition and self-interest.

The impact of transitioning into this new role has been transformative for my personal growth and contribution to the community. I have found renewed energy for life—I've joined a dance class, become active in Toastmasters, and can now attend my son's basketball practices, piano lessons, and significant school events. I spend quality time with my husband, parents, and in-laws without guilt, and I can once again travel, exercise, and enjoy life to the fullest. I thank my Bengali roots for providing the balance I need to navigate turbulent waters and stand tall amidst adversity.In conclusion, my journey as a Bengali immigrant's daughter is a testament to the power of embracing one's heritage while forging a unique path forward. It is a narrative of finding one's place in the world by balancing personal aspirations with a commitment to community and family values. By honoring the strength of my roots, I've learned to embrace change, trust my instincts, and create a life that feels authentically mine.

(Posted January 7, 2025)

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The Strength of My Roots
A Second-Generation Bengali Immigrant's Journey

Chhandasi Pamina Bagchi