The Pittsburgh Immigrant

By Kamana Mathur
(Reprinted courtesy the Pittsburgh Patrika)

I remember the many hours I spent as a young girl staring in awe at that picture – the one of my father standing in front of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.  Little did I realize then that one day, I would be standing in front of the same building.  After I moved to Pittsburgh, one of my first outings was to visit the imposing building and the nationality rooms in it.  As I entered each spectacular room, whether lavishly ornate or starkly austere, I imagined how inspiring it would be to attend classes or teach in them.

A few weeks ago, as I drove from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. at the crack of dawn,  I crossed the Fort Pitt tunnel and was mesmerized yet again by the strikingly beautiful Pittsburgh skyline.  Quiet but still stunning at this early hour.

The 5-hour drive down nearly deserted roads was a good time for reflection.  While the stunning views first attracted me to the city, my love affair with Pittsburgh evolved slowly, hesitatingly, with the ups and downs that are part of every true romance.   The historic districts, ethnic cuisine, and lively music scene slowly grew on me.  It was a life dramatically different from anything I had experienced.

Initially, I had missed the big city life.  I was an “outsider” here.   But then, having grown up as the perpetual “new girl” in school as my family moved nearly every year cross-country and around the world, I developed an outgoing personality that served me well.  As I got to know the “locals”, the differences no longer mattered  -  all I could see were the similarities with practically every other community I’ve experienced worldwide.

Pittsburghers are hard-working and generous individuals.  They are also fiercely independent and opinionated (not unlike me).  None of the pretense and self-absorption so prevalent in more “fast-paced” cities.   What surprised me, however, was the fact that despite the excellent colleges and hospitals, the stunning scenery, and the great cuisine, only three percent of Pittsburgh’s population is foreign born.  We are unable to attract and retain top international talent.

 Could it be that Pittsburghers don’t welcome the “foreign born?”  Could it be that there aren’t enough organizations helping to integrate the international community into the fabric of society?  It seems to me there are a lot of groups seeking to do just that.  Global Pittsburgh is one such entity , with innovative programs that  reach out to newcomers, helping them  become part of Pittsburgh’s social fabric.  Then there’s Venture Outdoors, another cool organization that brings people from all walks of life together to enjoy Pittsburgh’s parks and rivers.

Perhaps people just don’t know about Pittsburgh.  Several international journalists and world leaders admitted to not knowing much about the city prior to the G-20.  I believe them.  Prior to becoming engaged to a native Pittsburgher, I had never visited the city and had always considered it a gritty steel town – not a tourist destination.  Soon after I moved here, though, the city won the coveted “Most Livable City” award.  Also cited as one of the best places in the world to retire, home to some of the nation’s finest educational institutions, and an architectural marvel, I quickly learned it was more than just a pretty face. 

As I explored the city, I visited the ethnic neighborhoods, each with a unique personality.  I watched as the shadows of the late afternoon sun shimmered and danced on the glass of PPG place, making me feel like Alice in Wonderland.  Encouraged by cheering crowds, I participated in the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon.

I biked the paths along the city’s rivers.   I kayaked area lakes and hiked the local trails.  I became involved in community events and got to know Pittsburgh’s residents.  And of course, I attended a ball game. 

 The city has soul.  I’m so happy to call it home.