New beginnings

 So, you left us a new freshman..

As soon as Meghana and I entered the cab, the driver uttered. It took us a while to understand what was he saying, but then we realized. He was picking us up from the dorm address, carrying two empty suitcases. For the 75 yo, who had spent his entire life in the college town, it was an easy guess. He must have done it several times by now.

All he needs to do is to follow the good things that he has learnt from you..

William said to Meghana. Years of experience talking. Assuring the parents that they have done a good job until now and giving hope that the kids will do good based on their teachings. And ending the topic with a note... "We'll take good care of him". Town's representative citizen assuring the guests that the town will not let them down.

Meghana and I are visiting Ann Arbor, where Mrunmay is about to start his undergraduate studies in Comp Sci at the College of Engineering, University of Michigan. Mrunmay's journey towards the undergraduate studies started long back. His robotics achievements, carircular excellence, social impact projects, and his interest in extracurricular activities made him eligible for several prestigious universities across the globe, including Purdue, the University of Toronto, and obviously the University of Michigan. After a lot of deliberations, discussions, and thinking, Mrunmay finally decided to accept the offer from UMich, and here we are. In the college town. Ann Arbor. 

Mrunmay has been confident and anxious at the same time. Rightly so. Moving out of the city where he grew up, flying to a city which is almost 12hr apart in terms of time, not having any close family or friends, and staying alone in the dorm. It is not easy. Although he had done solo travels, this is his first such experience, and he is definitely looking forward to making the most of this opportunity. 

As parents, it is a mixed feeling. On one side, we are extremely proud for the fact that Mrunmay got admission to this prestigious university, for seeing his effort getting rewarded in the form of admission to UMich and on the other side, it is difficult to digest that he will not be close to us, that we'd see him only on video chats for months together and our future meets would be only once or twice a year. One thing that will keep us going is the trust that he will grow into a mature, wonderful adult who is on the path to fulfil his dreams!!



Wishing him All The Best for his studies, his growth and his success!!


Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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