The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) has launched a campaign – called I’M IIBA – uplifting what we know to be the true character and positive contributions of immigrants in the Bay Area. This week we highlight the inspirational story of Bala – a dedicated supporter of IIBA as well as current Vice President of the IIBA Board of Directors.
MEET BALA
I’M BALA
I was born and brought up in Madras (now Chennai), India. Most of my relatives lived in and around Chennai. My parents were high school graduates and encouraged me to further my education to make a better life. I did my Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and worked for around five years. My regular visits to the United States Information Services (USIS) at the US Consulate made me aware of the opportunities to enhance my potential.
I distinctly remember my passion and enthusiasm in following the Space Shuttle program which showed me that anything was possible. With that in mind, I applied and got a visa to pursue my Masters in Chemical Engineering in the United States. The memory of getting the visa stamped is still etched vividly in my memory. I was ready to travel half way around the world into an adventure and create a path on my own. There was an inherent trepidation as I did not know anyone and worried as to how well I could fit in.
I’M AN IMMIGRANT
My initial days were difficult personally. I was adjusting to the American way of life and had plenty to study. I had worked for around five years in India and getting back to college was more difficult than I imagined. My mentor and guide at my university was a godsend and I settled into the new environment slowly but steadily.
Pretty soon, I landed a Research Assistantship and also was able to afford a car. I landed a job in Tennessee and converted my student visa into a work permit, and later obtained my permanent resident card. My initial apprehensions on assimilating into American life vanished quickly as a result of the kindness shown by my colleagues and everyone around me. My interest in western music as I was growing up in India along with my passion for visiting historical landmarks in the US also helped me. I was very thrilled to go to rock concerts of my favorite musicians (like Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, The Eagles…) and travelled extensively across the country to experience the American way of life.
I’M A DIRECTOR
After working in Tennessee in the nuclear field and obtaining my MBA, I moved to the SF Bay Area to work in market analysis. My areas of interest are in Industrial Gases and Fertilizers. The company I worked for eventually merged with S&P Global and I now lead a global team following these markets.
I’M IIBA
I was introduced to IIBA through my work. After serving on the Board of Directors for a few years, I now have the honor of being the Vice President of the Board. Working with the IIBA has taught me how critical its service is to the lives of immigrants who need to integrate into our society. It helps them to manage the nuances and intricacies of the immigration system and also assists those who cannot afford to finance their applications.
In this land of immigrants, it is important for institutions like IIBA to connect fresh immigrants to the society and engage them to blend into the community with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
Being an immigrant and having gone through the process, I am proud to be associated with such yeoman service that IIBA provides.