E-Paper
Lucknow gave me the LIGHT
Life?s not a bed of roses, right! But to walk upon thorns, that too, with a smile, is not everybody?s cup of tea. All of 22, this level-headed gal decided to brave all odds in USA and do her parents and friends proud. Monika Gunnar will be completing her mechanical engineering studies in May from Calvin College, Michigan. And the path to this destination was not smooth. Here?s a first-person account.
Life’s not a bed of roses, right! But to walk upon thorns, that too, with a smile, is not everybody’s cup of tea. All of 22, this level-headed gal decided to brave all odds in USA and do her parents and friends proud. Monika Gunnar will be completing her mechanical engineering studies in May from Calvin College, Michigan. And the path to this destination was not smooth. Here’s a first-person account.
My journey till now has taught me the true value of living life to the fullest, no matter what the circumstances, no matter which part ofthe globe I am in. Lucknow always had special and fond place in my life.
I completed her primary education from La Martiniere Girl’s College, Lucknow (Nursery to Grade VI). The grounding at La Martiniere laid a firm foundation where I was prepared to face the many challenges of life. I received a scholarship to study in Woodstock International School, Mussoorie, when I was in grade VII. So, I went to the boarding school. The environment of Woodstock was totally new for me as there were students from more than 20 different countries. I studied there till Grade XII.
I secured very high grades throughout and passed class XII with flying colours. Almost instantly I received admission in the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi in Physics Honours. I had also applied to various universities of America for engineering studies. I got admission in six universities. But Calvin College, Michigan had offered me the maximum scholarship for my admission. I didn’t let the opportunity slip.
As soon as I got my visa, I was off to the United States. It was the time when I was full of expectations for a bed of roses when I stepped in America — but it wasn’t roses everywhere. I soon had to pick and remove the thorns to pave my way. Very soon I realised that every student here had to work to bear their personal and studies’ expenses. There is no work ‘big or small’ here. I learnt the value of dignity of labour. In the first year of college I had to work and study together. I got jobs cleaning in lounge, cafeteria, library etc which indeed was hard physical labour. I also did baby-sitting for some staff families during weekends, for which I was paid. I had a tough time working four hours daily — four to five days a week. I could only earn my pocket money which was about $4 to $5 per hour.”
“In the second and third years of college I had the job of tutoring Ist year students in Maths, along with assisting in the office of admissions, where I received $7-8 per hour. In third year, out of 200, only 30 engineering students were selected to visit different companies in seven European countries. I was one of them, the only Indian student. All of us had to share $2000 for this study tour, which included our travel, tour, boarding and lodging expenses in all seven countries. Although it was very subsidised fee, for me it was a huge amount. I was disappointed that I was not being able to make use of this golden opportunity. But just before three weeks of departure, a special maths test was organised by General Motors, (USA). It was a tough test, but I appeared for it.
It was a great time of joy when I came to know that I had been one of five students in the whole state, who were chosen for a large sum of special scholarship, which was enough for me to pay for the Europe study tour and other personal expenses too.
The tour was great and a once in a lifetime experience in the beautiful European countries — Switzerland, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and Austria. In the final year along with on campus job, I have an off campus job too in a company for two hours a week. I do not have my own car. So I go to work with one of my friends who also works for the same company. We share the gas (petrol) expenses.
It was my humble upbringing and strong foundation laid in Lucknow that made me popular among my ‘peers’, teachers and authorities in the US. In this final year (2005-06) I was the elected president of the International Students’ Association in my university. This is a great honour for a minority student like me. Lucknow gave me the LIGHT (Love, Integrity, Goodness, Honesty and Truth) that is shining here through my life and achievements!
