Time to look back

First of all, let me congratulate myself on successfully completing a year in US and more importantly, away from homeland amchi Pune. Might seem a small leap in this world, but believe me, its not. Its different to stay in a different city in India, and coming here across the globe - u really feel the distance; especially when you call home and get a response after a time lag. Its a good time to look back at what I have achieved and what still needs to be done. I came here with some ambitions - to gain decent knowledge. On that front, truly worth it - hats off to Virginia Tech professors for giving me all that and yes, friends at the university who always helped, especially my seniors. Getting an assistantship (thru some exhaustive search...cud publish a book on this!) right from the 1st semester is a gr8 achievement i feel. I kept repeating each night that I deserved it, and yes, self affirmations helped..after all didnt have any shoulder to cry on!

The first semester mid-sem exam was a bummer - i was totally lost and didnt know what to do. I remember talking to Kary and Gud and they had similar experience. Then felt a little better and we decided to do well in the finals. Although, the damage cud not be completely undone, I got a decent grade to keep me in good standing. And how can i forget the wonderful new year vacation in Florida and then our unique get-together with Viv in Texas..ah these moments will be cherished for life.

Start of sem 2, now i am better prepared, and luckily have lesser courses. And this time, it went really smooth. My thesis is also taking shape slowly. Come february and i celebrated my 1st birthday away from home. friends made it special with a cake ceremony at 12 midnight. Then i start looking out for internships - with high hopes. Soon i find that all's not going well. i got a few emails exchanged but nothing fruitful. As time passes, i become desperate, sometimes missing sleep with nightmares of having to be in Blacksburg for the summer. But then God is merciful and I suddenly have 2 offers, which is even bad because now i have to "choose". Some advice from knowledgable ppl solves my dilemma.

Oh, how can i forget the day i got my US drivers licence - thanks to Seth. I can now rent a car and roam independently, it was one of my happiest moments in US. And here I am, right in the heart of southern California, working as a Linux kernel developer cum hacker for Broadcom...relaxing on the couch in Lake forest, writing this blog after exactly 1 year.

Definitely gained a lot of experience, knowledge. I have a broader perspective towards things, have become independent, can manage the house as well as finances. On the other side, miss family a lot, those Sunday eve outings, daily evening walks, the new house in Pune, friends, the "Splendorous Hoodibabaa" bike ride, mom's love, a hug with Dad, fun moments with dada.
Hope to meet all of them pretty soon...thanks all for supporting me and thank you Lord for keeping me fit, healthy and emotionally strong throughout.