My friend is going to the US.

I’m sure you’re as nervous as excited, as hesitant as desperate and as sad as happy. These mixed feelings are because you know what you have to let go- Family, friends, girlfriend/s, your room, your house, this city and its amazing people, yet you know it’s all worth it, everything that you are going to have in the US.

I just want you to know that these few years are going to shape you as a person, as a professional and you will return a changed man. So, it’s up to you to give this change the right direction and to make most of this golden opportunity. Grow from a follower to a leader, a cliché to a creative, a pessimist to a dreamer and learn as much as you can from their people, their culture and their nack of leading the way. Treat it like your motherland, but don’t forget to return to yours, for your country sent you to bring your learnings to it and not to flee away.

Enjoy to the fullest and make lots of new friends, those that help you grow and add value to your being. Spoil yourself a bit while you are at it, but don’t go astray and each day, remind yourself of the purpose you are there for.

I hope you return with beautiful memories, invaluable experiences and of course, a fake and wannabe American accent. I ain’t kiddin’ bro.

We may not stay in touch as much as I’d love to give you your space, but I want you to know that I love you and I am going to miss you.

Go nail it.

Best wishes,

Your Dehaati Dost who will embarrass you to death if he ever ends up at your Uni.