Had started this post on Friendship Day (1st Sunday of August) and am finishing this post today after I have graduated from Old Dominion, now thats a filmy finish. I'm sure that I'm not going to return to Norfolk and even if I return, I am not going to see all my friends together again.
I still remember my early days in the US; I felt so pissed of - tired of the boredom with bland life and coming across unusual people. It took me a couple of months to adjust to the all-new atmosphere. And now, after a couple of years, I realize that I was blessed with so many good people around and such wonderful learning experiences. Every time I surf through the hard drive of my computer, I pause for a while and cherish all the memories by gazing at the pictures.
Finding good roommates is not very common amongst the DESIS, but I feel proud saying that I lived with the best of them (either it is in 814 W or 1069 W). Never had a fight, nor a complaint and the credit goes to them for bearing me for 2 fantastic years. Then come the people of 819 W, where I used to spend most of my time( I should say that was my habitat). Kudos to all the wonderful cooks in that home who entertained hogs like me and Sai.
I would never forget the people I came across, during my life at Norfolk. The 
days when we worked hard for our assignments, the days we hanged out together, all the birthday parties and every other moment at Norfolk is worth cherishing for me. From Sai to Puli (Phani), Vijay Mara to Vijay Sekhar, from Navneet (Bhikshu gaadi chelli) to Vijetha; I am going to miss everyone. I would never get a chance to see the Ganesh Mahotsav nor the cricket matches and I am sure I would never like to perform on stage on again :(
Like every other university, I had never-ending assignments, mind-boggling exams and courses that tested my patience. But then, I also had unlimited fun, ever-enthusiastic friends, excellent learning experiences and interesting internationals to mingle with. The activities on and off campus would constantly remind me about my past and would never give me a chance to forget any of the days spent in Norfolk.
How would I forget the birthday celebrations which would last for 3 hrs at least, the ‘VEENA’ step and Satthi’s cake eating ceremony? The concept of lighting the candle with cake on the guy’s head, introduced by Vardhan and me is still being followed as a tradition. No decorations, no gifts, no invitations; a small hint that someone has his birthday the next would bring all the guys get together.
All those cricket and volleyball matches would have never been so wonderful without Madhu(Gunner) and Vamsi. They just make the game more entertaining by making it controversial for a single ball or a single run. On the smaller note, cricket in the parking lot at 819 West used to remind me of the ‘gully’ cricket in India. And playing cricket in winter with the protective gear on was more fun.
I always had a dream of leading a team and believed in giving it back to the community and Satish and Nakul helped me do this by involving me as a part of the executive ISA team, thanks to them. The people who helped me fulfilling my dream were my team members, volunteers and the members. Thanks to them for admiring me for what I was and for what I did. I hope I met most of your expectations.
Someone quoted, you do not expect returns for all your good deeds and neither did I. But when I was asked to serve the Search Committee as the only Student Representative for the whole University, I was speechless and never imagined that I had recognition at the higher levels. Thanks to Dr. Roseann Runte for giving me that wonderful opportunity, it was a life-time experience to work with such esteemed people.
All the late night parties, all night gaming, TGI Fridays, troublesome professors, hell-like courses, supportive friends, fun-filled moments would always be missed for my life-time. This post could have stirred up some emotions within you and that is how I feel every time I think about you guys. Thank you all for making my life so wonderful.
MISS YOU ALL.
