I arrived at Purdue late in the evening and I still recollect being dropped off by my shuttle, standing at the entrance of PMU waiting for my friends to pick me up. The evening was cold, but my heart was warm and excited. As I waited for my friends, I started to read the wordings engraved on the walls at PMU and it slowly began to sink in that this reputed place was going to be my home away from home for probably the next two years. The very next morning I was eager to show my family and friends from India the beautiful campus at Purdue. As my orientation was scheduled for the 4th of January, I spent the next few days exploring the campus, setting up my bank account, completing my online trainings and not to forget shopping at Walmart for household items. Being someone who had never stayed away from home in her entire life, this whole process of being completely independent was new. Every transitional journey is beautiful and so is this!

 

The orientation day was indeed a fun one! We had our program director Eric address us in a super warm and energetic way and explain important details of the program. Members of other committees also gave us a brief of what they do and how we could leverage them. Not to forget the kind gesture of our seniors who gave us a campus tour and provided some fun insider details. Within no time the semester began in full swing and days continued to fly so fast. It’s been more than a month in the States and I am finally getting absorbed and easing into the process. Now the buildings, libraries, sidewalks that once seemed new now have started to seem familiar.

 

My first career fair was on the 29th of January. Having never attended a career fair before, this process was new to me. I studied the list of companies visiting, made my notes and printed copies of my resume. It was a great experience speaking to the recruiters, understanding their company operations and trying to find a match between their requirements and my goals. Career fairs are a great opportunity to understand more about the company culture and goals beyond what is available on the website. 

 

I am still in the process of exploring the campus, getting involved in clubs, participating in events and making the most of my time here at Purdue. As part of the international friendship program, I was assigned a very lovely family with whom I spent a beautiful Saturday evening of soup and dance. I was awestruck by the Purdue co recreational center (COREC) and wish to make time to visit regularly. Running for classes, completing assignments, attending team meetings etc now seem to be a part of my everyday life. It has only been a little more than a month for me but time is flying fast. As I look outside my window, I begin to wonder with a smile on my face, what do the coming months have in store for me..