Fridays in southern India meant one thing for young Shalini Mathew—beach day. Growing up in the lush, coastal state of Kerala, her childhood memories are the scent of salt air, the rhythm of crashing waves, and the familiar comfort of fresh fish.
But life, as it often does, took a turn too soon. When Shalini was just 14, her mother passed away. It was a loss that marked the beginning of a journey filled with movement and change. Her father, who worked in aviation, began accepting postings across the Middle East. Shalini found herself bouncing between countries, constantly adapting, adjusting, growing.
As she matured, Shalini longed for something different, something stable. She moved back to India, got married, and pursued her dream of becoming a mental health counselor. Her husband, a psychiatrist, shared her vision of providing holistic mental health care. Together, they built something remarkable – a 250-bed hospital where healing went beyond prescriptions and procedures. Patients were empowered through life skills – learning to cook, answering phones, becoming part of a community. Her two daughters, Abiah and Amna, grew up wandering hospital corridors, soaking up empathy and understanding. Abiah even recalls one patient who became her math tutor.
After 12 years, Shalini was ready for the next chapter. She’d always been a dedicated student, and the idea of returning to school tugged at her. Around the same time, her brother was studying in Virginia, and a visit to see him with her daughters planted a seed. She applied and was accepted into the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD program at a university in Greensboro, North Carolina.
At 36, Shalini packed up her life. Her husband stayed behind to continue running the hospital, while she and her two young girls, just 6 and 9, stepped into the unknown. Gone was the mansion with maids and a driver. In its place, a modest two-bedroom apartment with unwelcome cockroach roommates.
But grit runs deep in Shalini. She earned her PhD in just three years. Along the way, she applied to 88 jobs across the U.S., keeping track with a meticulous spreadsheet. One day, Abiah came across a job posting in a place called Aberdeen. Google kept showing Scotland, not South Dakota. Still, a note that said “lots of Indians in the area” caught her attention. It wasn’t until later that she realized it referred to Native Americans, not the Indians of India.
She interviewed for a faculty position at Northern State University—on her birthday, no less. Her friends warned her to be cautious, pepper spray in hand. But instead of danger, she found kindness. A modest, quiet town. Schools with friendly teachers. She was offered the job and she said yes.
Between her graduation and the start of her job, there was a tough financial stretch—her student visa had ended, and the paycheck hadn’t started yet. But local nonprofits, churches, and future coworkers stepped up to help her and the girls.
That first South Dakota winter? Brutal. She was lonely. She thought about giving up. But something deeper kept her rooted. A whisper that said, “Stay.”
And she did.
Six years later, Aberdeen feels like home. More so than North Carolina ever did, despite more people who spoke her native language. Because in Aberdeen, she found her community.
Today, her daughters are thriving. Her neighbors know each other. Look out for one another. And Shalini, who once arrived here feeling unsure, now makes it a mission to welcome others. When new faces arrive in town, she tells her story. Offers a hand. Helps them believe they belong.
With her girls growing up and dreaming their own dreams, Shalini is starting to imagine her next phase—a life of peace, of reflection, of enjoying all that she’s built.
Because from the beaches of Southern India to the snowy streets of Aberdeen, she’s walked a path that’s been anything but easy. But it brought her home.
Dr. Shalini Mathew sums it up: “Aberdeen has offered me a lot of opportunities for raising my family here, especially as a single mother. Although the aspect of multiculturalism is still in the growing stages, we have always felt included. The local churches, community organizations, and educational programs like speech and debate, have provided valuable support for my kids. However, there are some challenges like limited access to culturally specific resources, a small but growing immigrant population, and the need for more welcoming spaces where people from different backgrounds are fully embraced. One of the biggest challenges, especially for international students and single parents, is the lack of a public transportation system. Despite these hurdles, the strong sense of safety and small-town warmth has made Aberdeen home for us.”
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