Red Carpet Inn
The American Dream isn't just a phrase in our family; it's a lived experience, woven into the fabric of my grandparents', Dinesh and Kokila Patel's, remarkable journey.
Their story, one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, is as classic as it is inspiring. In 1980, my grandpa, Dinesh, arrived in the US with ambition burning bright and a civil engineering degree from India in hand. But America, the land of opportunity, presented its own set of challenges. Language barriers and a struggle to have his qualifications recognized meant starting over.
This is where my grandma, Kokila, emerged as a pillar of strength. Facing similar obstacles with her own impressive educational background, they never gave up. They embodied the true immigrant spirit, adapting and overcoming every hurdle.
While their initial career paths seemed like they might lead elsewhere, fate (and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit) had other plans. My grandparents took a leap of faith and entered the hospitality industry. Believe me, running a motel wasn't exactly what they envisioned, but they tackled it with the same determination that brought them across the ocean.
Their first venture was the Red Carpet Inn. They poured their hearts and souls into it, working tirelessly 24/7. There was no maid service, no maintenance staff – they were everything. They clocked in 80 to 100 hours a week, leaving little room for anything else.
This wasn't just any roadside motel. Through their tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence, they transformed it into a thriving hospitality empire. The story of that small mom-and-pop operation blossoming into a success story is a testament to their adaptability and the power of hard work.
But for my grandparents, the American Dream wasn't just about personal achievement. Every sacrifice, every long day, was fueled by a deeper purpose - building a better life for their children, for me and my siblings. Their story highlights the intergenerational nature of the American dream, where each step forward paves the way for the next generation to reach even greater heights. They instilled in us the value of education, a value they themselves deeply cherished despite the initial hurdles.
My grandparents' journey is a beacon of hope, not just for our family, but for anyone chasing their own dreams in America. It's a reminder that with dedication, resilience, and a belief in the power of knowledge, anything is possible. It's the story of immigrants leaving their mark, proving that the American Dream is alive and well, waiting to be embraced by those willing to fight for it. They are, quite simply, my heroes.
This dedication came at a cost. While interviewing my Ba and Dada, I asked them if they had any regrets when coming to America. They admitted there were multiple times they felt like giving up. They often faced racial biases, with people questioning their ability to maintain the motel simply because of their accent or skin tone. But they never gave up.
However, they gave up a lot. Their 20s, 30s, and even 40s were filled with the constant struggle of overcoming racism and running a tasking business that kept growing into the empire it is today. This meant sacrificing time with their children and missing out on enjoying their younger years. Yet, these sacrifices ensured future generations like us could live a more lavish life.
Even through these problems, my grandparents' belief in education never wavered. They put both of their children through private school and ensured they they both graduated from college debt-free. When I asked them why education was so vital, they explained they had experienced both ends of the spectrum. They knew education was the key to gaining respect and succeeding in a society where prejudice still existed. While their education in India was strong, it didn't fully prepare them for the American way.
Their story is a testament to the enduring power of the American Dream, reminding us that it's not about immediate success, but about the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. They are my heroes, and their journey is an inspiration for all who dare to dream.
