Leaving behind an affluent life in India, our little boy and I accompanied my husband, who was in pursuit of his graduate and doctoral degrees, to the United States – an American Dream come true. We chose Fairfax County, Northern Virginia as our new home because of its well-reputed school system. As a legal immigrant, I fell in love with America. I quickly assimilated into American culture and became a proud American even before I received my citizenship.

While my husband, Vittal Anantatmula, worked hard to earn his graduate and doctorate degrees, we lived frugally on a very limited income. We raised our only child to be disciplined, patriotic and loyal to the United States, and we are proud that today Vishnu serves our nation as an officer in the U.S. Navy. My husband Vittal is a Professor at the University of North Carolina.

We worked very hard to achieve our American Dream.