No longer a dream but an achievement :)

I saw a dream and it came true today - the 17th DAY OF MAY 2009! Carnegie Mellon University conferred me with a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

I was about 17 when I first, day-dreamed of securing an MS in US! My sis was my source of inspiration and here's how the story goes...

I remember the day when we were driving back home after daddy and me had picked her up from a personality development workshop. All along, she spoke of different activities they did during the day and sounded very excited about it, so excited that she drove my attention to an extent that I wanted to know every minute detail. (I'm generally, not a person who wants to know intricate details) Raghavendra Okade conducted these workshops; (one of which I attended some time later!) he's probably one of the best in Human Resources who could read you, review you and help you transform into a better human being. (be it the need)

During her (my sister) conversation with Mr. Okade, he discussed with her options of studying abroad. He encouraged her to do an MS in USA. In fact, he took classes for the Graduate Record Examination and invited her to participate in them. And of course, his thoughtful words inspired her to go ahead with the option. Next time, on our way home we dropped by Ganesh book store at Hosur junction on NH-4 to pick up a BARRON'S GRE. (Student's #1 choice ;) ) All the while, I was listening attentively to all that she said - about the test, application procedure and everything else.

Soon, she was a part of Mr. Okade's class at Deshpande nagar and gradually, I was on duty to pick her up every evening ;) I remember, once being mad at her when I had to wait since her class was running late and then I raced home, trying to show off like I was the only one who could ride in the world! At times, she would discuss GRE math with me and it was fun solving problems with her. I was in my first year of pre-university at that time and terms like GRE and TOEFL were big words to me!!! Later, I was hit by the TOEFL fever. Watching a video during an exam amused me, talking to a screen like somebody's listening to you - I had no idea how that happened. (I know I was funny especially when I think of the major with I've graduated today!!!)

In the process, I had registered a "To do" list in my mind - 1. GRE 2. TOEFL 3.MS in US. This was a time before I had even taken the Common Entrance Test. (lol) I'm so glad to myself that my interest didn't die with time. What kept me on the move, was Prof. B.L.Desai, who's friend was Mr. Okade. Mr. Okade's words were frequently heard in the air of E&C department at B.V.B. Desai sir always spoke of GRE, MS in US universities and often had guest lectures by Mr. Okade. What more could I ask for!!! Not yapping about it but, I did start my first word list when I was in my first year of Engineering and I was very confident that some day I would do an MS!

And it happened. It was an evening in November 2007, when I had received my admit letter from CMU and I was at the fast food section of Shanthi Sagar in Domlur with a friend. I was procrastinating opening the envelope since I knew my friend was a little upset that I would be leaving be it an admit. Another friend joined us in a while and she engaged him in conversation. I decided to see the letter then. It was a proud moment to hear back from Carnegie Mellon and at the same time, I was sad that I would be leaving :( I don't wish to talk about it since that could drive me into a mood that would not let me finish this blog :)

Well, initial days at school were scary and I dread to think about them today. My first semester here was probably the WORST phase of my life. Gradually, I adapted to way of life and the academic culture. "All's well that ends well". I'm done! I'm a Masters from Carnegie Mellon now and that matters a lot to me. I was touched when Kanchi said "Kav, your dream has come true!". Now, looking forward to go home ASAP to folks and friends :) But yet, there's no free lunch. I can't get away with it easily, a new raaga ... the name's OPT, a whole new topic in itself which I don't dare to touch now!

So, that was my success story to an MS. An inspiration drove me up here and that was MY SIS :)