Learning Hindi and Discovering my Heritage

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“Kya chahin hain?” asked the man standing behind the register. “Mujhey ye coffee chaaheeye,” I replied. Without any confusion, he made my beverage and handed it to me. I praised myself quietly about my improved conversational skills in Hindi. When I first arrived in India, I would either mistakenly mix in Gujarati words or mispronounce words in Hindi. I never really noticed my “American” accent until I came abroad. More astonishing than my improvement in Hindi, was the fact that I chose to come to this café despite my past reluctance. I weaved around the bustling crowd and found an empty table to sit at. I admit that I was at first taken aback by a horde almost as dense as one in a marketplace, but now I find the café to be quite lively. I looked around at the entrance to see if any of my friends were arriving. “I’m a little early but at least I can never get bored waiting,” I thought to myself as I took a sip from the coffee. I used to think that there was just something off about the coffee in India. It isn’t the tall Starbucks café mocha with whip I was accustomed to back in the US. The aroma was familiar, but the cardamom flavor was that unexpected hint of spice you would only find in India. Regardless, I could not give up going to a café just because of a few minor differences. It was my sanctuary from the outside world- a place where I could gather my thoughts and gain inspiration. Reminiscing about the past, I pulled out an old sketchbook.

I reflected back at how I first discussed my sudden decision to study abroad with my best friends in Maryland. They patiently listened to me explaining how I received an acceptance letter from an international school in India. They were surprised at first, but they understood ...

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...ren.

They had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and were not shy to take if from anyone willing to share. I realized that I was learning a whole lot more than what I was teaching. I had little to give back for the lessons of life I learned from them.

I gulped down the last bit of coffee when I heard, “Hey Aru!” I looked up and saw my friends hovering over my sketchbook. I have developed strong friendships with my classmates. We not only share interests, but find endearing qualities in our differences. Through my friendships, I solidified my beliefs and individuality. I learned more about India, and developed a new global perspective.

A friend stared at my empty cup confused. “I thought you didn’t like the coffee here”. “What gave you that idea,” I replied, looking at all my friends, “I’m really going to miss it. It’s not Starbucks, but it’s perfect.”

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