One That Flew Away

Turning The Page

Being Viktor Navorski

Plain Stupid

How many people out there in the developing world dream to come to the United States? Almost everyone. A lot of them are even ready to pay astronomical amount to get in here. And once you get in, you try hard to hold on to it and do whatever  you can to prolong your stay. Legally if you can, else illegally. That's the general norm.

Most of the people who come here as students delay their graduation so that they can stay here longer and maintain their legal status. Once they finish one degree they go for another one. Some are lucky to get sponsorship from their employer for H1-visa, most are not. And there are some who marry American citizens to stay here at States. Once they are settled, they look forward to bring their family here, maybe move from apartment to home and their American Dream goes on.

Who in his sane state of mind would think otherwise? Turns out I I don't comply with that norm. Everyone was stunned when I declared 'I am going back home!" Their first reaction was, "For how long? When will you come back?". I replied, "I am going for good. Not coming back." I know where they are coming from. I have only been here for two-and-half years. That's it. They had all the logic to ask that question.

Before you jump to conclusion, let me explain why my case is different. I finished my MBA in 15 months, which actually takes 2 years for completion. Yup, took more credits per semester. After graduating I moved to Colorado, started working and am living with my sister. Family. To add to that my parents visited us twice in this time, so I can't be home sick as well. And I do make sure to talk with them over Skype when they are not around.

Like everyone else, my plan for a while too was to get another degree. But then I had a change of heart. I realized what's the point? What am I doing with my life? I realized I won;t like what I would be doing by doing so. It's waste of time, money and everything. So I decided to call it a quit. I don;t know why, but there was urge in me to go back home... without any reason. I felt it was time to go home.

Finally after having my flight cancelled yesterday, I am heading home today. I know its not as good as it is here, but its HOME... you can;t find any better reason than that. And never will. I would be taking the western route via China. So, literally it will take me 962 days to travel around the world. I bet that is not a world record though. Again, there would be people who want to be on my shoes, but... you need courage to be stupid.

Hah! My life, I decide. So, be assured I don;t and I won;t have any complaints. But I know I will come back here, hopefully sooner if not later. I just know, inside.

But for a while, people will think I am Plain Stupid. I say, let the future decide. As of now I am as happy as I have ever been. 

Namaste Kathmandu.