Where Is Home?
During SOM’s recent International Week, Bhavin Chhaya ’24 captured portraits of some of his classmates and asked them to describe what they consider home. Here are their answers.
Shruti Aggarwal ’25, India
“Home is where I don’t feel afraid of taking up space. My college dorm was home. Right now, New Haven feels like home because of the freedom to be myself.”
Robin Babu ’24, Dubai
“Home is lying down on Dubai desert sand in the evening. Something about the cool breeze, soft sand, stars above gives me a sense of comfort and a feeling of home.”
Daksh Bhardwaj ’25, India
“Home is where my friends are. Home is a place where the heart stays warm, even if the food is cold. It is a place where friends become family and awkward conversations go into comfortable silences.”
Servando Cervantes Carbajal ’25, Mexico
“Home is where I find a balance in feeling safe and challenged. I feel at home in Mexico City because my family’s still there. When they’re around, I know I’ll be OK even if things don’t go well.”
Trishala Chaudhary ’24, U.S.
“Home is not a place to me. It is with my family, friends, and community. Home is where genuine connections are forged, where we can have an adventure or simply enjoy the beauty of doing nothing together. To me, it transcends walls and roofs, it is the heartwarming presence of those who make every moment worthwhile.”
Bhavin Chhaya ’24, India
“Home is an act of kindness, a long hug, singing in the shower, and eating nostalgic comfort food from Bombay—vada pav and sev puri. I cherish these feelings because they help me unwind and give me the strength to keep going.”
Sojung Choi ’25, Korea
“I grew up in Bundang, a suburb of Seoul, Korea. I have my fondest childhood memories there. It made me who I am today. Home is where I feel safe and comfortable—Home is Korea.”
Lise De Maere ’24, Belgium
“Home is Belgium, where my family and friends are, where I can be myself completely, feel cozy, and have fries with mayo! In Belgium, people tend to stay close to each other and that vibe really matches my personality. I miss the warmth and familiarity of the culture.”
Kshitij Dutt ’25, India
“Home is where I have people who support me and people around whom I don’t feel self-conscious. New Haven feels like home because I feel a sense of belongingness with my SOM learning team. One team member had to leave, but everyone gave them a warm sendoff. We are still in touch.”
Bhavishya Ghanta ’25, India
“Home is where I am greeted by three dogs—that makes the worst of days much nicer. Home is also a place that has at least 10 people. Home is where I feel content.”
Reika Ishii ’25, Japan
“When I was young and living in London, I struggled with my Japanese identity. Now, after living in Japan, I feel proud of calling Japan home because I appreciate the collectivistic culture and mindset of putting the community’s interests over individual achievement.”
Luisa Locatelli ’25, Brazil
“Home is any place that makes me feel a sense of belongingness. I have friends and family—my support system—in São Paulo. Home is where I feel happy and loved.”
Anna Misley ’24, Italy
“Home is Genoa, Italy—the place where family and friends are, where I can be myself completely, and where I can have pesto.”
Frank Ogbuagu ’24, Nigeria
“Home is a small, beautiful city called Benin in Nigeria. My family is still there and I spent my defining years in Benin City. I love how cozy it is. Everyone knows each other; people are friendly.”
Adrian Peters ’25, India
“I feel at home when I find my community. I found people in New Haven who don’t let me miss my home in India. I feel a sense of comfort because everyone’s empowering one another. No one’s judging or pulling me down.”
Joandy Pratama ’24, Indonesia
“Home is where I can find friends and family, places where memories happen, and places with local delicacies. Growing up, home was Indonesia. Now it’s in Indonesia, Singapore, Brazil, and the U.S.”
Amogh Singh ’24, India
“I’m from Lucknow, India. I can feel everything in other cities, except the people who I’m closest to. My friends and family are in Lucknow. I’ve known them for so long and I can share anything with them. Home is comfort.”
Alif Taufiq ’24, Indonesia
“Home is where I have friends and family. A place that lets me rest and recharge. A place that is comforting and makes me happy. Indonesia and New Haven.”
Lakshmi Venkataraman ’25, MBA/M.A. at Jackson School of Global Affairs
“Home is where family, friends, warmth, and solitude blend. And regardless of where I am, home is inside me.”
Radhika Vy ’25, Vietnam
“Home is Ha Noi, Vietnam. I’m half Indian and half Vietnamese. I felt out of place growing up in Vietnam. Since moving to Singapore and now the U.S., I’ve felt accepted by the Vietnamese community and have felt more connected with the culture.”
Selina Wang ’24, China/Canada
“Home is familiarity, warmth, and family. Home is still Nanjing, China, even though I spent 15 years in Canada before SOM. My family, my closest friends, and my fondest childhood memories are in Nanjing.”
Claire Yang ’24, Singapore
“Home is where my mom is. Her presence is the presence of love.”
