Gaurav

Interview with Gauruv
media type="custom" key="8172264"  **__ BIOGRAPHICAL/GEOGRAPHICAL NOTE  __**   Gaurav Mehra has been an immigrant from the country of India for about 10 years. While growing up in India his family owned a clothing manufacturing business. His father and older brother would work endless hours in the factory. The temperatures from the steam used to clean the clothing coupled with the warm and humid climate made it a difficult environment to work in. Gaurav was too young to help out in the factory, but he often came along with his brother and father when it came time to do paperwork. Gaurav never worked in the factory like his brother, but he became interested in pursuing a career on his own. The money his father saved for him allowed him to pursue a higher education degree in the United States. His degree was in human-computer interaction and he designs software for business and legal professionals. He presently resides in Mason, OH and works at LexisNexis in Miamisburg, OH. He has two children and is currently attempting to become an official US citizen.  **//__ INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT  __//**   This is an interview with Gaurav Mehra. The interview was conducted on December 29th, 2010. The interviewer is Luke Neumeier representing the Dayton Regional STEM School.    Luke: Hello, this is Luke coming with you with an interview of Gaurav Mehra.   Gaurav: Hey Luke.   Luke: Hello.   Gaurav: How are you doing?  <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Pretty good. Uh, I will start with the questions. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Okay. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Why did you come to the US? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: I came to the US to study and get my Masters in engineering? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: How did you get here? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: I took a 40 hr flight into New York and then into Greenville, SC. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: What was your home country like? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: India…it’s uh…the bigger cities are like the cities in the US but obviously there is a big cultural difference. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Do you like living here or do you want to go back to India? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: I definitely like living here and at some point in the future I might go back. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: How well did you adjust to life in the US? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: It did not take too long to adjust because I spoke English just like at home in the part where I grew up so it did not take too long to adjust. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Did you come alone or did you come with family members or friends? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: I came alone. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Do you feel your experience was a similar experience compared to other people from the same country? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Yes. I think there are a lot of people coming to the US to study and get their masters and there’s a whole community of international students that sort of meet together so their experiences are very similar in that sense. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Were there any hardships that kind-a-like pushed you away from your country and pulled you into America? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Uh…no, as I said, it was mainly to come and study so… <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Have you ever felt like an outsider? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Uh…there are times whenever you leave your own country and come to any country. You travel outside of the United States you feel like an outsider at times, so at times you do feel it, but I think the US is very welcoming for me. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: What did you expect to find here? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Find in the sense since I came to study I did expect to get a really good education. So that met my expectations. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: What was the toughest part of moving? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: The toughest part of moving is actually leaving family. So…obviously my parents and everyone else is back home so being alone here in a different country altogether was one of the hardest things. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: From what you heard about the US was it accurate? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Yes. Again I came here 10 years ago, so it was not there was no negativity that you still perceive in some parts of the world outside of the US but I think it’s getting a lot better. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: How many customs have you adopted or retained? <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: I retained obviously my own Indian heritage and obviously melded well into the American culture. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: I think that’s all the questions that I can do right now. I’m done with all my questions. Thank you for coming. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Gaurav: Oh you’re welcome anytime. Thank You. Bye. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Luke: Bye.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;"> **//__ ANALYSIS  __//** <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> In the early 1900s immigration to the United States was largely based on persecution, famine, religion or not making enough money. Those reasons perhaps also occur today, but what I learned through this interview is that many people are coming to the United States for a college education and frequently make the move to receive advanced degrees. Gaurav Mehra’s purpose was exactly that. Gaurav also stated “…there’s a whole community of international students…” that stay in contact and share in their experiences while in the states. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> Additionally, although not discussed directly in the interview, many United States businesses are often using cheaper international labor. This fact alone makes it more desirable for Indian students to seek additional education in the states. The knowledge gained and understanding of the cultural differences while in the states, allows these students to become important partners between American and Indian businesses. Gaurav has provided this service at LexisNexis. I know this because he works with my father who is also an engineer at LexisNexis. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;"> The “changing face of immigration”, at least from the perspective of Indian culture has started from one of persecution, famine and religion to one of education, job and business partnering opportunities.