A year in United States

The Start:
One year ago, on August 4th, I landed in United States to pursue my Masters. I wasn't the only one, thousands did. I was atleast with one of my good friend. They say everything is big in Texas. Yeah, everything was fucking big. Enormous roads, cars, the green fields, the cowboy stadium. Frantically trying to capture every new thing that passed me on my way to University, I was hit by one thing, patriotism of American people. There were huge flags of United States and Texas flying gracefully atop buildings and with clear sky in frame, they looked majestic. I remembered our treatment of our flags on 16th August and 27th January. But I dropped the idea to criticize Indians further as they welcomed me with open arms, taught me tricks and trades to survive in U.S. and gave important guidelines and that pretty much was the kickoff.
It was disappointing start though. It all looked dull as I missed my family, friends, dog and the girl. But sooner the worries of finding a job to stop leeching out loans from SBI which will stop them leeching my parents' hard earned money began to surface. Finding a job isn't easy in U.S. You need reference, someone to talk to the HR manager about you. For reference you need to lick some butt or have a sex changed to girl. All I had was my ego and the idea of asking someone for 'help' was too ridiculous for it. So I kept searching, at times getting very close only to fall flat and admire the wonders of disappointment. I screwed up my grades, B in all subjects. Agreed that two of them were not important and being so, I never studied for them. But the one I slogged for, professor changed it from A to B. His whims. I didn't feel bad. On the contrary, I was glad that I learned something. Actually learned. That helped me in preparing for my next job's take-home exam. It was tough and I didn't clear it but I tried so hard that it made me happy. You know that "Journey to destination is the happyness" and shit? Yeah, that. Then I decided to work offcampus. I needed money as I couldn't stand the concept of 'Loans'. So I worked in snow, blizzard, under a horrible boss (but a kind man) and then I was called for an interview.
The Interview:
I dashed to my home to take a shower, shoveled a gumstick in my mouth and sprayed Axe all over my body to look good. I sat in my future employer's office, facing him not knowing which is the position I've applied for and what is this interview about. Yeah, I was that clueless. He surveyed me and asked a few questions. I answered them. He asked me if I had brought my resume'. No was my reply and he then lectured me for half an hour on how to be a professional and act like one. He was disappointed in my less than professional approach. I swallowed disappointment of rejection and resumed normal routine. I was rejected not because I didn't know my stuff. I was ejected as I was too casual and cool for an interview. But, after a few days he called me again. I sat in office, now knowing what that interview will be about. He asked me if there was going to be any change in my answers that I gave last time. No was my reply. He was less than impressed and asked, "What did you learn from the last interview then?" "Well, I have my resume' now."  He took me upstairs and gave me the job. My tuition fee is now halved and I earn $1300 a month. Was I lucky, yes. But did I try? More than most as I didn't beg anyone for reference. My ego lived happily. And the smile in mother's eyes was worth more than any riches.
The Trip:
On my birthday, no one called me but one of my good friend. Well, she and I then didn't speak for two months then. I did something that I didn't mean to, atleast so soon. She being a girl acted like one and threw me out of her world like we throw an over-chewed boomer gum. So I needed a break from all that lousy ass soap opera going in my head to convince the angry lady, sing a song for her and make yourself appear stupid and desperate. My aunt, sister, mama and my bhabhi-to-be were going to visit my brother in New York. I seized my chance and boarded a one way plane to NYC. My first step was in Times Square and I forgot every worries of mortal world. I enjoyed every moment of that trip. After New York, Washington DC and finally a soul stirring experience at the Niagara. When the cold water of Niagara slapped my face, I was reminded that life doesn't revolve around people, it revolves around you. No, this is not what I thought when I was standing under the fall. I was blank for five full minutes, no external sound could penetrate my state of mind. I was with myself, alone. And that was bliss. I changed when I returned from the trip. I no longer save money. I spend it on anything I like. I have developed a fetish for travelling. And I no longer see U.S. as a place to study, earn and go back to India and wield your NRI tag in front of drooling girls and their moms. I am a tourist now. Someone I always wanted to be.
The now:
I patched up with my friend but lost a chunk of charm in our friendship. But that taught me a lesson. You can't always care too much for people. Even if you are absent from their lives, they seek refuge under someone else. I then went out on camping trips. Drank beer and usually people dance after drinking, I watched shooting stars with few really good people who are different, just like my friends in college and colony. Everyone has something to teach you and I admire them, respect them. Sure, with a girl spotting the shooting stars by lakeside would be a lover's dream but with good people, you talk about ambitions. Again the next weekend I explored San Antonio and Austin and reaffirmed my belief that U.S. = Texas + whatever. I changed. I get awesome grades but I know how meaningless they are. I now learn for I enjoy it. I am now a calm person who enjoys a lot but doesn't give two squirts of shit about what happened in the past. People who stayed with me are free to do the same, people who left me are free to continue their journey without me. Help, as Dumbledore said, will be given to those who deserve it. But I won't beg anyone to let me help them in their troubles. No more Mr. Nice guy. Only Mr. Tourist.