Two Years in US

August 11, 2003 was the date when I stepped on US soil with the sole dream to pursue a career I want to. Surprisingly, its not software and I am not a typical "techie". Well, exactly two years after this date i.e. on August 11, 2005, I volunteered to work for the International Student's Orientation in my University. This is the very first event attended by any international student in any US school where he/she fills all the forms and gets the information about the school. While sitting there and watching the crowd, I could literally feel how time flies by. Two years ago, I was among one of those desi students with a puzzled look behind the glasses filling forms and asking questions about everything. I was so curious (maybe I dint knew the meaning of "curiosity killed the cat"....well it seems that it dint worked in my case as I am alive and still curious).

I remember the first time I went to McDonalds in the Union during lunch hour of the Orientation program. I was as confused as other desis standing in the queue. Then came those barrage of questions at the counter: "jus da saaandvich or meal","wha kain of drink u wan", "fa heeere or to go". I somehow managed these questions and then I asked for "sauce"....bang ...came the another question: "wha kain of sauce u wan" ??? I replied "tomato" ..the woman said..."ohh you mean ketchup". That was my first lesson here...the difference between sauce and ketchup.

Now, two years from that day, I have been to almost all the eating joints & cafes. I know all their menus. I know what I have to eat (after tryng most of the options), what dressing to choose, if I want fries or hash browns, and yes ...coke with "little ice". I have learnt so many things...isnt it ???

So here I am, after two years, standing at the same place, same Union, same Ball Room, same orientation with same forms and tirades, amidst one difference: I am not filling the forms...I am helping others to fill them, with one more degree in my arsenal.