Part 2 - Lessons from Amrika

My first semester as a graduate student has ended. One of the most important things I've learned after coming here is the true depiction of the word 'HYPE'. From the amount a grad student has to toil to the winter weather, its pure unadulterated hype. Yes, grad students have to work much harder, especially if you led a carefree lifestyle in your undergrad. But its not like you've no time to catch up with old buddies, or watch your favorite sitcoms and movies, or game a bit, or freak out, as some people portray it to be. And the winter isn't a bitch, really. Its white and serene, making you feel some kind of emptiness inside (I know, I've started looking at things differently after melodic death/doom metal..). -20ºC can be very pissing and a major barrier to venture outside though. But then, there really isn't anything like a long winter walk to refresh you, apart from an ice-cold shower.
The Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving in the mid-west isn't anywhere near a 'must-experience' thing. We were expecting huge queues in the chill weather, but ended up walking directly into the mall at 4 AM :-/ One thing that did live up to the hype is the academic competition. The final was worth just 15%, so that should give you the picture.

Something very evident here, which we could use in India, is the fact that you get to choose what you study as an undergrad. You don't need to declare your major until a few weeks before you graduate. So instead of being forced to study stuff you disgust (which happens even in the very best institutes in India), there is that freedom which reflects in the performance in class. You'll find some of the most nerdy and geeky people who come up with fascinating stuff in the projects, and many-a-time, they're undergrads. I really like the whole concept of part-time jobs and funding your education/monthly expenses to a certain extent. Over here, I kinda feel responsible for the first time in my life. BITS was more of a nice long dream, the feeling that whatever happens, your friends were always there to help you out. Here, you see the stark reality. Sure, you meet a lotta nice, new people, but its everyone for his/herself. You meet students from horticulture, music, tourism management, etc., which is kinda refreshing as they look at things is such a different way than engineers.

On a completely different note, I've found some inspiration finally =]
Come to think of it, I've never really idolized someone at anytime in my life. I might have cooked up some stuff for the english essays in school, but I never really found anyone so inspiring. Sure, sportsmen do make you feel wtf-am-i-doing-in-my-life, but it kinda dies out after a while.
So what is my current inspiration?! Lesser known music artists, who work for a living and create breathtaking music in their spare time. As you might have guesssed, a major example is Insomnium. The lead and main composer is working his way to a PhD in evolution sciences, the other guitarist is a surgeon, the vocalist/bassist is a truck driver (its a respectable job unlike in India) and the drummer is studying environmental technology.. and after all this, they create such magnificent music. Since I'm a biiiiiiiiiiig fan of theirs, I follow this blog, where they kinda document the whole touring life. Its so much different from what you'd think it would be. Its a whole new way to think about life, very non-Indian to say the least. Geez, have I become philosophical or what :-o?!

P.S: No offence to Indian culture, lifestyle, etc. Just my thoughts on some differences.