It is a hard decision to leave your country and family to go to a place you don't know much about, but if you have the right attitude and determination, it makes you independent and confident. That is when you tell yourself, “this is my chance and I can do it!” I left India with this attitude, not because I didn't like it there but because I wanted to explore the new. I wanted my creativity to find expression, both in engineering and music, which is why I chose to pursue my bachelor’s at Pennsylvania State University.
A new world
Initially, I was nervous but I found that I could live on my own terms. Some might think that these choices are too risky to give to an 18-year-old, but I manage them well. I play music and study, but I do them on my own terms. I work on projects that have nothing to do with academics but everything to do with the world. I am thirsty to learn.
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Each student has his/her own unique experience of college life in the U.S. and for me Pennsylvania State University is in every way the college I had hoped for. In the past one year, I have done a project with General Motors and performed at a couple of music festivals too. I have also been accepted into the honours programme at the university and I am hoping to do research in the field of alternative fuels. The U.S. academic system is flexible at the bachelor’s level. Students can choose the classes they want and when they want to take them, which gives them opportunities for extra-curricular activities.
Special moments
Another new experience for me was taking up an on-campus job in the first year. Until then, I had never worked for money. I wanted to feel responsible for my finances and earn some pocket money for my weekend movies. I worked at my campus dining commons, cleaning tables and serving food. Initially, it was hard but I slowly grew into it. I worked hard and made a little money; when I spent it, I knew I had earned it. It is moments like these that make my experience in the U.S. special.
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While academic experiences always stay with you, it is these diverse and out-of-the-classroom experiences that teach us about the world outside. Pennsylvania State University gives me the opportunity not only to study electrical engineering with music technology, but also shows me who I am and who I can become.
Aneesh Srinivasan is pursuing bachelor’s in electrical engineering (2017-2021) in Pennsylvania State University, the U.S.