AOP: Tell us all about you, your family, and your career.
Pritika: We are a family of four living in Auburn. I teach STEAM at Eastside John P. Powell Magnet School in Lafayette, Chambers County. Previously, I taught Earth and Space Science to middle school students in Milton, Florida, and later taught juniors and seniors at Valley High School in Valley, Alabama. I attended Space Camp for Educators at U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, which was one of the best experiences of my professional journey — I even had the chance to meet astronauts. I am also NISE certified in STEM teaching.
My husband is a faculty member at Auburn University. Our daughter is in kindergarten; she enjoys gymnastics, skating, and coloring. Our son Arul is a sophomore; he loves mathematics, basketball, tennis, and solving different types of Rubik’s cubes.
We moved to Auburn three years ago from Pensacola, Florida. We are multilingual and originally from India; we came to the United States in 2008 for higher education. Our children were born here and have learned to appreciate both cultures.
AOP: Can you share a little about where you’re from in India and what growing up there was like?
Pritika: I grew up in Kathua, a small town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Childhood there felt very organic and natural — raised with extended family, plenty of outdoor play, and attentive parents, all without cellphones. We had fewer organized activities, took joy in simple pleasures, and formed deep connections to our surroundings.
AOP: What traditions from your childhood are most important for you to pass on to your children?
Pritika: I want to share a few childhood traditions I hope to pass on to my children: respecting our elders and greeting them politely, sharing meals together, providing emotional security, celebrating festivals as a family, helping people in need, and spreading kindness. These practices have shaped who I am, and I believe they’ll give my children a strong sense of belonging and compassion.
AOP: What has surprised you most about raising children in a culture different from the one you grew up in?
Pritika: Raising children in a culture different from the one you grew up in brings many surprises. What felt natural or appropriate back home doesn’t always translate the same way elsewhere. One small, funny example: we used to call neighbors “aunt” or “uncle,” but that doesn’t work the same here — it can cause confusion or awkwardness.
AOP: What is one thing you have appreciated about living in Auburn?
Pritika: Auburn has been particularly special! The close-knit, friendly spirit of this university town—along with its many community events, from downtown festivals to university and school activities—has given us a wonderful social life and meaningful friendships. It’s a place where community feels real, and we’re grateful to call it home.
AOP: Why was raising bilingual children important to your family?
Pritika: Although English is widely spoken in India, I wanted my children to be bilingual so they could build deeper family and cultural connections. They can easily communicate with their grandparents who speak only Hindi and Dogri. Speaking a heritage language also supports their self‑esteem, sense of identity, and belonging.
AOP: What conversations do you have at home about identity, belonging, or representation?
Pritika: We cultivate and model an environment of respect and inclusivity in our home and daily conduct. In our conversations, we tell them that they do not need to choose one culture over another and find a healthy balance where they can grow while learning to appreciate both cultures. It’s normal for them to feel inner conflict at times when home traditions and school norms don’t match, especially when their parents are from another country or even another continent, as in our case. We value both parts of their identity and will support them as they navigate these challenges.
AOP: What message would you love other moms—especially immigrant or bilingual moms—to hear?
Pritika: You are doing a great job. Believe in yourself, and remember you are not alone on this journey. Reach out and connect with people who share similar experiences — their support can make a big difference.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Math or Science? Science
- Leading by example or direct guidance? Example
- Take a walk or take a nap? Walk
- One word to describe your motherhood journey? Satisfying
- Paper planner or digital calendar? Digital calendar
Pritika Sharma has been married to her husband, Ajay, for 20 years. They married in India in 2006 and then moved to the United States in 2008. They have two kids, their son, Arul (15), and daughter, Siya (5). The family enjoys the simple moments together — cooking, walking, gardening, and playing board games. They also enjoy traveling to their favorite places — Pensacola, Orange Beach, Orlando, and India.
Author: Staff
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