As far back as I can remember, my parents have stressed the importance of giving back to others. “However much money you make, you must donate a portion of it away”, they said. We even donated the first paycheck I earned. Our family has overcome a history of struggles and luckily for me, this is not something I have had to endure.
My paternal grandfather died when my father was only 19 years old, moving him, his 2 younger brothers, and his stay at home mother into poverty. My father had just received acceptance to graduate school and could not earn for the family. Our family survived off of food stamps (or the equivalent in India) for a while. Times were hard. It was not until my father came to America to pursue his residency and his younger brothers went to college and started earning money that their family started to move out of the lower class and became more stable. Although I was not born at this time, I sympathize with the story. I so badly wish there was something I could have done even though it is impossible. I am grateful that my father has now come to a point in his life where my brother and I will not have to deal with this same problem. This is why I am beyond thankful for everything that I own and why we as a family never hesitate to give back.
My maternal grandfather immigrated to America with only $20 in his pocket. He came here also as a young adult to further his education. However, upon his arrival he could not pay for school without having to work 3 low income jobs. He often tells me of everything he had to go through. “Even while in India, I had to sometimes walk a mile to go to the store just so I could bring home some milk for my 5 younger siblings each morning.” He had a very rough life even while in America and he often worked odd jobs.
These struggles were not uncommon to those that we are trying to help at Urban Ministries. However, there is one part of his story that will always stick with me. While my grandfather was here in America, he always sent back half of his earnings to his mother, brothers, and sisters in India.
These stories from my own family help me connect to those at Urban Ministries. They help me feel more part of the cause and eager to better their lives just like my family did for me. I am so thankful for my family and everything they have done for me and I cannot wait to do the same for those at Urban Ministries.
Surya Tumbapura
Senior Council Advisory Representative