This thing called life !!

So I have finally graduated with a Masters degree in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado at Boulder. It was a great feeling to be called out in front of all students and parents by the Deputy Director of the department, and commended for the great work done during the MS program.

My parents experienced a gamut of emotions during my commencement. I saw happiness, joy, pride, tears and relief.

Happiness — that they made their son get in life what they themselves could not.

Joy — that their son had successfully completed his Masters degree.

Pride — that their son was the first Masters degree holder in her family.

Tears — that their daughter could not join them in this moment of happiness for the family. (My sister was stuck in India due to her exams)

Relief — that their son had *FINALLY* become responsible in life.

I had checked them in a hotel near my campus. I must say now looking back, checking them in a hotel surrounded by CU-Boulders’ legendary party frat houses and sorority clubs was not the right idea. I came home one day to their hotel room and the conversation went something like this :

Me: Hi Ma !!

Mum: Enna da .. Nera paaru antha payan…. Kaaalai lenthu satta illama thanni adichindey irrukaan (Look at that guy, since morning he has been drinking without his shirt on)

Me: Illa ma. Semester mudinju pochu athan celebrate pannran nenaikren. (No ma. The semester just got over so he must be celebrating)

Mum: Athu Ok da … ambanama kudikanum avasium illiye ( That is fine. But he doesn’t’ have to be in the nude to drink)

Me: (Nothing to say and I started something else to change the topic)

What my parents experienced was not the Boulder I wanted to show them . Though I did make up for it and they ended up having a great time in Boulder-Colorado. I am currently in Chicago experiencing the sights and sounds of the city with my parents.

I hope by the time they leave for India I manage to give them an experience to last a lifetime :) .