My first day in United States & at Robert Morris School

My first day in The United States and at Robert Morris University

September 25, 2010, around 11:15 a.m. my flight landed from Indra Gandhi International airport (India) at O’Hare international airport in Chicago. It took around two hours in security check and luggage clearance. As I went out, I saw my sister – who’s lived in Chicago for the past 5 years -- waiting for me with a big smile on her face. I ran and hugged her then we loaded the luggage in her car and drove to her place. While she was driving, I was enjoying looking out of the window. I felt like I was in heaven, so clean and tidy. Everything was systematic and above that all the cars were driving in their own lanes. Was I dreaming or was it a reality? How can everything be so systematic? Now, I know why America is ruling the whole world.

I was so excited about studying in the United States that I didn’t have words to explain it. When I reached home my sister asked me to rest but not to sleep for too long; otherwise, I would not be able to sleep at night. I kept my luggage in the guest room, had some food and lay on the bed. I woke up around 10:20 p.m. Now what to do? Again had food, watched a couple of movies. Its only 3:00a.m., had a complete night and a day before going to the school. I was a bit nervous and excited too. I don’t know when I went to sleep again but woke up at 9:00a.m. My sister gave me a cup of tea and we both sat and talked about mom, dad, brother, another sister and other relatives. Then she asked me about my future plans and all and at that time she advised me that if I want to really get good grades, I will have to study every day. The studies in the U.S. are not difficult but they require a lot of hard work. That evening I was feeling sleepy again, went into my room, and slept, and woke up around 4:00 a.m. had 6 hours before going to the university but nothing to do. Those 6 hours were like 6 months. My sister as usual, woke up around 6:00AM and asked me to get ready, as she wanted me to be at least half and hour early on the first day of school. She parked her car near the school and showed me the school building and said “This is a success ladder which will help you to make your future”. I went to the Graduate Center and told at the reception that I am an international student and have been admitted to the MBA program. We had to wait a little bid because every advisor was busy. After 10-15 minutes, a smart looking man came to us and said “Hi Manish- how are you doing”. “I am doing well but how do you know my name?” “I am a student advisor and my name is Fernando and I am your advisor, so I know everything about you”. Then he asked us to follow him. He said “today you won’t have any classes; as it’s orientation day”. “I will familiarize you with the staff and faculty today”. He took us on tour of the whole school and showed us each the library, bookstore, classrooms, graduate center and other important areas of the campus. It was a life-time experience. I could see my whole year full of fun, excitement, hard work, learning a new culture, and making new friends.

MANISH BHARDWAJ

2/17/2011