Then I had a seemingly sudden change of heart. It was more like a revelation, really. I was selecting pictures from India to show my English class that gave examples of different aspects of Maharastrian Indian culture, such as marriage. I asked my mother to explain the pictures and how they exemplified Maharastrian customs. I was shocked how much I really had not known about my native culture and thrilled that I had immediate connections to learn more. For the first time in nine years I was able to see my cultural duality as a blessing, not a burden. I realized that if I was not in America I would not be able to share my heritage. I am able to pick and choose from different aspects of both cultures. Because of this, my individuality is more clearly defined. Hence, to me, America is a place where I can be an individual.