4th August - A Journey Begins

August 4th. It's a date I'll remember for a long time to come. Maybe forever. It was on this day few years back that I first set foot on a foreign soil. The United States. Alone and totally scared. Thus began a journey of overcoming fears, false perceptions and apprehensions. It was almost like my first day at school. It was an education that I would never ever receive in any University, School or College. I learned lessons about life, love, despair, failure, more failure and finally some hope followed by success. Since then, my perception about people, cultures and the world in general has changed for the better (I hope). In the process, I made some new friends and some 'unfriends' as well. And then there were some who were ready to help total strangers despite the limitations they had. Well, I don't know if those people I came across will remember me but I will not forget them. Thanks guys. And ladies, Thank you as well. Out of all these people, a man who would stand out would be Calvin Gross. He was one of the first Americans in the US I came in contact with. An Indophile, Calvin would go out of his way to help international students who were down and out financially and morally. Calvin used to be in-charge of the University's library and he made sure that any Grad who was having a hard time could be fitted in at least as a part-timer in the library. I wouldn't be exaggerating in saying that countless international Grad students who came in without proper financial aid will be thankful to Calvin and his library for years to come. His enthusiasm to help and his affection can well be seen from the fact that every Christmas, he would invite all the Indian Grad students he knew and also the employees of the University library to his house and treat them to superb Indian food which he himself would painstakingly cook the whole day long. For all of us he was a good friend and confidante we badly needed in a new country. As a friend he wouldn't hesitate to dip into his own life savings to help students pay their tuition. And as a confidante, he would always be willing to listen to your hard luck stories with patience and give support through kind words. And I am sure that he still continues to do so. Last heard, Calvin was suffering from rare a genetic disease that ran in his family that would eventually make him lose his vision. But I don't think that it will stop him from being a beacon for students like me for years to come. Indeed an unsung hero with a big heart. Looking back, I know for sure that I couldn't have done the same things as he did for strangers who came fresh off the boat without thinking twice. And he was not alone. There are so many such people I came across that I could write a book. And then follow it with a sequel. But let's leave it for some other day. When I look back now, I realize that I wouldn't have met these wonderful people across the world if I had not taken up a journey that started on an early morning flight to Atlanta on August 4th. More importantly, I wouldn’t have appreciated the difference such people make in others’ lives. Indeed a life-changing day.