Shyamala Keshamouni (SK) and Abhinand Keshamouni (AK)

SK: There’s something very dear about holding that passport that said, I’m Indian. As if giving up a passport would change our roots and our culture. And then the presiding judge who came in, you remember what he said? 

AK: To this day, I  remember. 

SK: He exactly knew how I was feeling. 

He said, you know, you don’t have to worry that you’re giving up a piece of you. You are bringing all your culture, all your vibrancy, all the things that make who you were. And that’s what America is about. 

SK: The reason why this election is super exciting and important for our family is your dad, myself, and your brother are going to vote for the first time for a president. Are you disappointed that you’re not gonna vote this year with the rest of us? 

AK: I am very disappointed that I can’t vote this year. I turn 18 in April. But I do think I’m making up for it by working the polls. 

SK: I’m so proud of you for doing that. You know, I think the worst sin could be inaction, right? I can’t fix the entire world. I’m not that powerful to solve world hunger. but I have to do at least what I can to give those values a voice.