THE FEW BEST MONTHS OF MY LIFE

 This is about my experience in The United States of America as an academic exchange student. I am finally back from the exchange program with so many memories captured in my heart. After battling with all the situations on the opposite end of this world, I no longer hesitate to believe in myself. It might sound philosophical but I’m being brutally honest when I say I feel nothing is impossible for me now.

               I still remember practising day and night for my visa interview.  The interview I had prepared for one month lasted only a minute on an actual day and went so smoothly that it took me to see my parent’s reaction to it to believe I did get the green slip in my hands. The big day came, all my bags ready, fear and happiness in my parents’ and I finally bid India goodbye.

               British Airways. So much noise around me but I felt a deep silence in my ears. I was flying to The United States and had to keep reassuring myself that it was all happening. The moment I stepped into my university in Texas I experienced some kind of positive energy sweep me. It felt so right that I was smiling all day and my faculty there caught that. Everybody from the faculty to the students was so excited to welcome me, I was overwhelmed by their smiles and plentiful gifts. The university had food for students from around the world; the desert section was my favourite. Since I was in a Christian community, I observed everybody pray before they ate or even started their class. It inspired me so much that I tried my best to incorporate that habit into my life; surprisingly, it instilled so much gratitude in me.

               We had several events like Beach Day, Global engagement month, Halloween party and Christmas was just a blast! I got to represent India on stage in front of the whole university and they were all so interested to hear me speak about my country. In another event we showcased our Indian culture by serving Dose and chai, helping American students drape saree and dhoti and teaching them our national language Hindi. Seeing them appreciate our culture was that moment where I felt pride in myself as an Indian. All my friends planned a huge birthday surprise for me and bumped me with beautiful memorable gifts. We went for Christmas parades with hot air balloons and wished the whole city a happy new year. I made a trip to Florida for Christmas with my Indian friends there and Disneyworld, and Universal studios just brought so much happiness into my life. Florida and Texas felt like dreamlands to me.

Life was a celebration for the people there and it changed my perspective on seeing my own life. Thanks to my new friends and new routine helped me understand a lot of my interests and self. I completely pictured what my future should look and feel like. I just wanted to come back and spread all the love I got there because I can’t forget those days when somebody’s kindness just made my day better and now, it has become my mission. Now that I’m back in India those days just flash in front of my eyes and feel it hard to accept it’s over. Every day was a new battle I had to fight on the opposite end of this world, but the strength and confidence I’ve developed are for a lifetime. To the best days of my life in the United States of America: I will love you forever.