After another job change, the family moved to New York, where they lived in Flushing, Queens. The city had much more diversity and a larger immigrant population. There was a bigger Indian community in New York than the places they’d lived previously. Being able to connect culturally made it easier to make friends with other Indian families. The higher immigrant population also meant more access to ethnic food and Indian markets.

"New York was strange, and new." (Pushpam Kesavan)

When living at home, Pushpam was able to maintain aspects of her culture in her daily life. She could continue to eat traditional Indian meals and wear saris regularly. This changed when she got her first job. Because she already spoke fluent English, she was able to get a job as a clerk for a textile company office. At work, she had to adhere to the social norms of an American office environment. For the first time, she had to switch out her saris for pants and shirts.