It was 5 years ago, on July 25th 2001 that I first set foot on American soil to experience the "Land of the Free", which I had only read and heard about till then. Five long years have passed since, but the memories of the days that have gone by are still quite fresh. Before the growing memory-loss and the appearing grey hair shroud these experiences and memories, I have decided to pen down these exhilarating but introspective times in a small book or memoir.
Since the late 90s, scores of (mostly) young "fresh out of college grads" from the Indian subcontinent have been making their way through the social, cultural and most importantly economic hurdles to pursue the American dream. The purpose and dream of each and every person who makes his/her way here is different and surprisingly unique. Some want to keep themselves abreast with the technological advances of the west, others want to get quality higher education, some may want to try out the western lifestyle, while others are after the purchasing power of the green bill. Some of them maybe looking for a good spouse while some others are simply bored back at home. There are still others who may come based on exodus of their peers and friends. Some of them may have many of the above reasons in their mind when they come here. Whatever the reason maybe, the common denominator that stands out is opportunity. US has become the destination for opportunity mongers of the new generation just like Mumbai was the place to migrate from a smaller place in the 60s and 70s in India.
Most of us who come here, come from semi-conservative and orthodox middle class families and financial support becomes the biggest issue. But the education system in the US with its financial support system eases the burden on the aspirants. Back home, loans are also becoming easier to get. After a Master's degree the salaries in the US are quite good and the 1:4X conversion factor provides economic liberation to many of us. Economic salvation is catalyzed by the frugal living undertaken by the folks who get here. Overall, a little confidence and backing from parents and well wishers should be good enough to catapult people across the ocean.
I plan to write the book in a autobiographical manner. There are a couple of points from where I have derived the motivation to write it. Firstly, I see the last 5 years as 1/12th of my life and one of the most important and significant fraction and personally I have seen a lot of changes in me. If I had not taken this journey and stayed back, probably I would have missed out on lots of fun. As Edith Wharton puts it "Life is the only real counselor; wisdom unfiltered through personal experience does not become a part of the moral tissue". Writing about my experiences and observations may provide me an opportunity to ruminate on them to get new insights or perspectives as well. Secondly, many of my friends have provided constructive criticism about my writing skills. The feedback I have received is that my writing lacks self-expression. This piece of work would be an attempt at improving that skill and hopefully I will do good. Thirdly, I want to have loads of fun revisiting my past and having a hearty laugh at it.
-Sandeep
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