Sesha’s Story

By Sesha Sravani Chengalvala |Coyote Contributor|

International students come to the US, the land of opportunity, seeking education. Ever wondered how it would have felt to fly to a foreign land all of a sudden?

Let me share my whole experience with you, right from my little thought of pursuing a masters in the US to my experiences till date.

Well, the road was not full of roses. Right from my childhood I knew that I had to study well and earn good grades.

This is because my family has a good academic background, both my mom and dad are post-graduates. My parents are ever encouraging.

Two of my uncles work in reputed companies and I have always been inspired by them. And also, they never hesitated to guide me in a proper way.

I believe, “Higher education is always an asset to an individual.” A generation may get on the right path if I do well.

When I used to have second thoughts of putting an end to my twenty-one long years of education, this affirmation would make my determination stronger.

However, my parents were worried when I first let them know my plans. In fact, I myself was skeptical about my decision.

My sister and I are happy daughters, all the time. This is because we have a great family.

My grandmother is ever kind and loving and my grandfather gives us moral support. We daughters take all the warmth and affection for granted.

And leaving the little and lovely world of my own and flying to the other corner of the world is not at all pleasing. It also meant to be a financial pressure on my father.

However, after many internal and external battles there was peace. I had to balance my final year of under grad with preparation for GRE and TOEFL.

And then, everything was set and I applied to the universities. It was a long wait to get decisions from the universities.

And once your VISA is approved, your parents are happier than you. But then everything is sad.

The very thought that after a few months there would be no more silly fights between me and my sister would make our eyes very watery.

When the tickets were ready, I regretted my decision to pursue MS. I secretly wished that the departure day would never arrive.

In the mean time, there were discussions on FB groups about the university. I got to know who my classmates would be from India.

Thanks to social networking, everyone came to know how the other person looks through the photos posted.

We all decided to travel together to the US and hence, we would be meeting at the airport.

And then there was shopping. There is no end to this part. There was so much shopping that I wondered if I was coming for the entertainment or to study.

I bought everything, except books. There was so much money leaving my dad’s pocket. All this made me think if the masters was worth all this investment.

My father was busy ensuring that I would have the necessary financial support, once I landed in the US.

In addition, my grandmother, who is above 75, has started making sweets and pickles for me; though she knew that it would make her really exhausted.

My mother bought me nice clothes, packed utensils, made a list of all my necessities and ensured that I had them. And finally, the bags were packed and all was set.

At the airport, I was busy matching the photos on Facebook to people in real-life. My family was there to wish me good luck and bid goodbye.

We couldn’t help shedding tears.

In the US, it’s a hard task making friends when you miss your family. The bitter truth is, not all people are sweet and kind.

One should fight for his own self to have a life. Sometimes I wish I can stay forever Skyping with my parents, and stay away from the reality of my life.

However, I started to get a little better by pursuing my hobbies in CSUSB. The movies at night in the library lawn, various hobby clubs and the assignments, keep me occupied now.

People at CSUSB are always friendly and ready to help you with any problem. And above all, the library is the best place in CSUSB.

The fantastic thing about San Bernardino is, it is very close by to some major cities in California.

Silverwood Lake and the Pendleton area in San Bernardino are a feast to the eyes. Oh! I could sit at a certain altitude with my burger and fries, watching down, the burbling sound made by the waters.

I had all the peace in the world.

As the golden rays of the sun passed through me and hit the sand, I wished, I could hold on, forever in my mind, the image of the birds chirping adieu to the sun, at the Santa Monica.

I walked the Hollywood Walk of Stars and ensured that I experienced the craziness of Halloween at West Hollywood.

I somehow could not manage to get a complete picture of myself with the buildings in Downtown, Los Angeles. They were that tall.

The ride at night to the Vegas is not to be forgotten. Since it has barely been two months that I am here, this is all I can share for now.

I am sure I will have many more wonderful moments in California.

I am grateful to my family and friends for trusting me and letting me out into the world, to know the ways of life.

I am glad I chose CSUSB.