COVER STORY! At Home with Subrina Dhammi

at home with

Photo by News Channel 13 promotions photographer Justin Wambach Subrina Dhammi

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When they opened their mailboxes, Subrina Dhammi’s neighbors were blown away.

What they found there were pictures of unicorns lovingly drawn by her five-year-old daughter, Sonya. It was a simple gesture from a caring child but it brought something magical - a moment of wonder and wisdom - into an otherwise ordinary day. “She’s determined – stubborn – when she puts her mind to something, she wants it to happen now – that’s something she gets from me. That everything is wonderful and beautiful, that she gets from my husband,” said Subrina Dhammi with a laugh. Many across the region waking up and turning on the news, recognize Subrina by her jovial laugh and big, bright smile. It has been broadcast on our television screens since 2005, when, right after college, she started working at WNYT News Channel 13.

The Best Advice

Growing up, Subrina had a strained relationship with her parents, who migrated to America from India in 1980. Her mother had certain expectations, which led Subrina to start out as a bioengineering student at Syracuse University before switching over to earn her degree in broadcast journalism. It seems an unlikely choice for someone who is also a bit shy. Even more unexpected is the fact that in 2003, Subrina competed in and was crowned, Miss India New York. Then, the following year, she went on to become the Miss India USA runner-up. Having confidence even in the face of fear is something Subrina learned how to do partly because of her longtime friendship with an inspiring go-getter named Marisa Lee. “She’s confidant and sure of herself, someone who I could emulate,” said Subrina. One of Subrina’s most influential role models has also been her husband, Ryan Jendrasiak. “He’s the kindest, most compassionate person. He looks on the positive side and for the good in people. I tend to gravitate toward being a Negative Nancy,” she said. Ryan is an environmental and civil engineer who works remotely, and Subrina says that it is his pep talks that help her to overcome one of her biggest fears: public speaking. “People are usually surprised when they hear I’m on TV everyday and still get nervous when I’m asked to do public speaking but talking into a camera at the studio is a lot different than talking in front of people. He gives me these pep talks a lot and says, ‘You’ve got this. Stop prepping so much, It’s OK’. It’s advice that goes across the board with anything in life that’s a little bit challenging. It’s very basic, but it works,” she said. Ryan and Subrina will be celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary in October. After a two-year engagement, the couple were married at the Empire State Plaza in a small, private, ear

Facing Her Fears

ly-morning ceremony.

Creating a Work/Life Balance

When Subrina was just 10 years old, she imagined that one day, she’d have a daughter named Sonya. While that ended up coming true, parenthood, however, has surprised her in ways she could never have imagined. “I didn’t envision wanting to be with her all the time, but I do, I want to be with her all the time,” said Subrina. As a co-anchor of the News Channel 13 morning show, Subrina works overnight and mornings while Ryan, who works from home, looks after Sonya. Then, in the afternoon and evenings, it’s family time. “The work-life balance found itself. We’ve managed to make it all work without it getting too out of hand,” she said.

Incorporating the activities that they’ve always loved, like traveling, has been important. Since she was born, Sonya, who is impatient on long car rides, has developed a tolerance to flying and has been to Europe twice; once to London and once to Barcelona. Still on the family to-do list is going on a trip to India. “I haven’t been to India since I was five. For all of us, it would be nice to see where it all started and where I came from. It would be a huge trip, and it would require a lot of planning, entertainment, and of course, snacks,” laughed Subrina.

Handling the Tough Stuff

Subrina grew up eating Indian dishes, speaking both English and Hindi, and going to temple. She’s been introducing some of these customs to Sonya, as well. “She’s very proud she’s Indian. It’s a work in progress. I teach her some of the words, Indian prayers, and she tries Indian food regularly. It can be very spicy, but I say, ‘Just try it. Just trying it is great’,” said Subrina. She’s also been teaching Sonya some classical Indian dances. Running, however, is what gives Subrina the most satisfaction on her toughest days. “When there’s hard news, sad news, especially when it’s childrelated, it is hard to shut those emotions off. I can get down and depressed. If I need to cry, I’ll cry. Running and exercising gives me a chance to really let those emotions out and has been such a help in that sense,” she said. At home one day, Subrina was feeling frustrated. “I was making pizza and I was failing. Flour was flying every- where. Sonya saw me and got this book she has about 25 iconic women throughout history. She turned to a page with a runner and said, ‘This is you. You’re a hero’,” said Subrina. That’s something every parent needs to hear. Balancing home life and work life requires determination and creativity, but for Subrina, it is a job that helps inform the news that comes to you. “We spend a lot of time in the newsroom highlighting issues that are important to parents. We’re aware and we care. I find different topics related to back-to-school because I care about it, too. As a mom and as a journalist, I get it, I empathize, and I sympathize with what matters to you.”

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Saratoga Family conducted an informal online poll as to where your kids are going this fall, and the results are in!

• 68% said back to school • 20% would be opting out and doing virtual with their school district • 10% were doing homeschooling • 2% were undecided