Meet Olivia Peterson | Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Peterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi olivia, how do you think about risk?
Hey, thanks for interviewing me! Taking risks has actually played a major role in my life. If you don’t really know much about me, I’m a content creator that mostly creates content in south Indian languages. My love for other cultures was something that was developed in me from a young age, It might have been sparked by the Indian auntie and uncle that my family would host though out my childhood or it could have been sparked by watching the African children’s choir preform at my church and deciding I wanted to be one of them when I grew up (no one had the heart to tell me I was not African, and could not be.) However, this specific journey of learning Tamil started in 2018 when a friend’s mother spoke to me, accidently in Tamil. I just asked myself, “what if?” And just like that I began my journey learning Tamil. Note cards upon note cards. Pestering my friends for the correct pronunciation of words. But the real risk did not come with all of this. It came with putting myself out there, when I knew I was still learning the language. Speaking up, when I knew I might not comprehend everything that they were saying. Learning how to assimilate in a community where there is no one that looks like me. I began building community by taking risks and they in turn took a risk on me. My children were young (5yrs, 2yrs) at the time and I would often take them to the park. I would listen in to the people around me and see if I recognized the language to be Tamil. Because my vocabulary was about 400 words to begin with, when I started speaking out, I would catch a few words spoken and wait until I could say something. I would practice the sentence over and over in my head. My heart would pound out of my chest. My face would flush and I would think what if they don’t speak the language? What if I am about to embarrass myself? What if I say it wrong? And then get over yourself and just do it! Finally the time came and I would blurt out some random sentence. Most of the time I was met with a shock and excitement about someone outside of their culture speaking to them in their mother tongue. I would feel the blood rush to my face and my heart beat out of my chest as I grasp for words to be able to compose any sentence. They were so patient and receptive of this American that was clearly out of her league. Shortly after many of those same interactions, Peachtree Tamil school opened and I was asked to come check it out. I was the only American and the only grown adult learning beside their children.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t know if I would consider it easy. But I really have enjoyed this journey. Learning someone’s native tongue, even if it is just a few words, shows them you care. It connects you on a different level then communicating through a tongue you might feel more comfortable in. It opens doors to experience life though a different lens. It helps those living in a foreign land feel a little less home sick. If you can learn the culture and how to cook the food on top of a language it creates a beautiful masala. Breaking bread and telling stories breaks down barriers and walls. What is left is authentic human connection. While I believe that my hard work has played a lot into why I have the following I do on my platforms, I believe the Lord’s favor has been upon me. There is a old VBS song I use to sign as a kid. It went something like: “And I’ll become even more undignified than this. Some would say it’s foolishness, but I’ll become even more undignified than this. Leave my pride by my side.” Stepping into a space that is not your own, into a culture that you are not apart of requires you to check your pride at the door and remain humble, Its easy to think: I am at this level now, I know this much, I have already learned this, and so on. But if I have learned anything, it would be to check yourself. Take a step back and just learn as if you are a child. I use my platforms to practice Tamil and Telugu, have fun and connect with people from all over. Unfortunately, I will never truly get to know my followers at the same level that I know my local community and the way that the know me. But that is Ok. The lessons I have learned along the way are irreplaceable and the connections I have are global.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend coming and I wanted them to experience the Indian community of Atlanta, I would definitely take them up to Decatur. We would go to Cherian’s and Patel brother’s. We might pick up some things to make dosa and chutney or biryani at home or I would take them to one of the many restaurants in the area such as Chai pani, Madras mantra, Zyka, Sankranti kitchen, or Honest Indian Restaurant. I would take them to any gatherings at Gats (Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam) or ATM (Atlanta Tamil Mandram) may have. Such as a cultural program where the adults and children preform dances, songs, skits, debates and more. Or even a volley ball or cricket match hosted by them. On Sunday, I would take them to the Atlanta Tamil Church and have them experience a Tamil Christian service. We could also visit the Telugu church or the Malayalam church right across from Cherian’s. Sunday is also the day Chillax a Tamil comedy show takes place. I know quite a few of the comedians. Sunday is also Tamil school, so I would probably show them the school and interduce them to everyone. I would defiantly stop by the Global mall to show them all the stores in side. Each store has beautiful items in it however be aware you will pay for the convenience of buying in the states. If I wanted to show them the American aspect of my area we would visit the Coke factory, the aquarium, six flags and whitewater (because I love it), stone mountain and Peachtree city a town built around golf carting. For shopping we would go to little 5 points or ponce it has a very unique atmosphere and would be fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
On this journey there is really no shortage of people to thank. However, Jesus is the reason I am, who I am today. His love knows no bounds. Secondly, my parents who have had to listen to me practice Tamil over and over again in their house and now Telegu, My kids Cali (11yrs) and William (9yrs) who have been on this journey with me. My friend Cat who has taken my photos and listened me talk insistently about Tamil. Rob, Shini and Devi, who gave me a spark. Rux Devarajulu over the Peachtree Tamil school. Manju, Bala and my godchildren Sankalp (13) and Ariana (6). All of those in my local community who are as precious as gold to me. Pastor Palmer and Sister Susie at Atlanta Tamil church. Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam, Atlanta Tamil Mandram, Atlanta Telugu Association, Indian Friends of Atlanta, Fetna all of these beautiful communities that have taken me under their wing and so many more people that the list would continue on far too long. But just know even if I did not personally mention you, you mean so much to me!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivia.peterson90/

Twitter: https://x.com/Oliviapluslils?t=xbXX5ewlZ8tSnhH6LhPUmA&s=08

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.peterson1990/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Oli4india

Image Credits
Creatives’ Collective Co