Initial days in the US of A

Going abroad for studies is the icing on the cake for every student. But, what does they actually think about going abroad? Is it just the technical expertise they attain? Is it the freedom? Is it the money they can potentially earn? Is it all of this combined? If you ask me, it is all of this with the main kicker of having a better lifestyle. The reason why people think it is a better lifestyle can be credited to the books we read, the movies we watch and the people who always say the grass on the other side is always greener. The opportunity of being able to do everything by ourselves and for ourselves. The imagination of being able to drink JD or JW every day. The opportunity to let go and be a free man without any constraints.

I came to the US with the same frame of mind. To be free. The initial days were horrible. No place to live, nothing to eat and on top of that we can NEVER STOP CONVERTING  THE DOLLARS TO RUPEES. Gradually, all these hurdles are passed. You get a place to live. But, can you make it your home? With a bunch of people with whom you have spent 20 hrs in the flight prior to landing? Fortunately, I could make a home here. There was not a single person in the house who felt he wasn't at home, even though all of us missed India and our families and friends back there. A few friends of mine were not so lucky as I was. They had to find people to live with and also a place to live in.That is a dreaded nightmare for anyone in a foreign country.

The term New York second catches to you very fast. You lose a wonderful opportunity if you just decide to stand and admire the beauty of the place. There is no stopping here. You lose something every time you decide to stop for a minute period of time. The next day we came here we had to run to get a job. Thankfully, all of us did within a week. So half the burden is unloaded. I would like to thank Mr. Manjunath, Mr. Shamanth, Mr. Sanketh, Mr. Gowtham and Mr Abhilash for helping me make a home and Mr. Vinay, Mr. Pushkar and Mr. Atulya for helping me get a job and teach me everything they know about it.

The first semester is the most horrible thing in your life. Before you know what is happening you are given a million assignments and homeworks. And just when you think you are through with the toughest phase of the semester, you have to face the exams. And to add to these, you have to cook, clean and manage your house. People in India reading this, believe me home making is not so easy as it sounds. But, the fun you have is priceless. The overnight gambling at Atlantic city, a party for every reason, freaking out whenever possible is worth all the hardship you undergo.

The weather change played a massive role in my initial months here. I never knew how my legs would handle such temperatures after all the trauma it had been through. The turn of the fall cramped my legs. I was unable to do my work efficiently and had its repercussions. But once I got acclimatized to this weather, it was bliss again. And this time more fun with a road trip and a heavy downpour of snow as soon as the road trip was completed. The sem ended with a beautiful "white" Christmas and a wonderful turn to the new year. The past sem taught me more conviction towards studies and made me realize the necessity of an equipoise between work, studies and parties. Half a sem has passed by and I seem to be making good progress, topping a class 30 students in one subject and having a good score in another.

To all the people who aspire to do their masters in the US: This country has its equal share of badness as any other country. Do not be biased by movies, tv or people. Make a firm decision and enjoy every moment of the decision. You wont get this back again. Keep your life simple, do not complicate relations with anyone because they are the people who matter to you at one point of time.
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