My name is Tara. I am from India and I moved to Chicago four years ago with my family, when I was only ten years old. Our life has changed a lot since we moved. Before, my mom stayed home and my dad had a good job as a doctor. Now, he drives a taxi and my mom is a waitress. They work a lot and don't get paid much, but my parents say they came here so that we can get a good education.
Back home in Kerala, I played all day, but now I make sure I always do my homework and study hard for exams. My little sister thinks I'm crazy. She prefers playing with her dolls or listening to music.
In India we lived in a big house by the beach with all my family. School finished very early because it was always so hot, and we would go straight to the ocean with our schoolbags.
Now, I take the bus to school and I have to come straight home after classes. My friends all go to the mall, but my parents don't let me go. I miss the freedom of my life in India, but I like the school here. I want to go to college and become a doctor like my dad.
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Tara is fifteen.
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Tara's parents want her to have a good education.
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Her parents are well-paid.
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Tara's sister takes school very seriously.
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In India, Tara went to the beach after school.
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In Chicago, she goes to the mall after school with friends.
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Tara had more freedom in India.
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Tara wants to study hard and become a doctor.
