Recently, I visited Indiana, a quiet, lesser-known state in the U.S., to accompany my daughter to her college admission. In the small town of Bloomington, Indiana University (IU) was founded way back in 1820. Spread over nearly 3000 acres and running with the support of central & state governments along with the fees of international students, this educational institution has a great reputation. Its Kelley School of Business and Jacobs School of Music rank among the top 10 in the US. The entire town is planned around this university, and the locals show great respect and take pride in it. It’s an open campus where no gate is ever closed for anyone. Out of Bloomington's population of around 80,000, over 40,000 are university students.
Contrary to my expectations of Western culture, the locals were open-hearted and welcoming. Wherever you go, you’re greeted with a smile. Store owners, cab drivers, hotel staff, and even bank employees reassure you about the safety and well-being of your child. Every local you meet, makes you feel that sending your child here was the best decision—giving you a sense of peace. They’re eager to help, be it advising on the clothing for changing seasons, recommending a good place to eat, or guiding you to a local temple, gurdwara, or church. The town is beautifully landscaped and maintained by the county to match its name. In collaboration with the university, the local administration provides free city bus services for students, with modern and comfortable buses running from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
During my stay, I had the chance to watch an inter-college football game. When the local team plays in a championship, it’s known as “Homecoming.” Alumni, young and old, return from other cities to celebrate their love for their college, even camping out on campus. I saw fans aged 6 to 60 dressed in red and white. Hoosier families wear school spirit proudly for many generations. Watching more than 50,000 Hoosiers cheer for five hours in an Olympic-sized stadium was unforgettable. Current students managed the entire event, and despite the university having its own police department, there wasn’t a single instance of disorder or disturbance at such a large event, which required its intervention
I also observed that the American high school curriculum seems to lag behind that of Indian schools. My daughter received so many credits on her first day that she could either complete a four-year course in three years or pursue a dual degree in four years. Despite this, American students show exceptional practical knowledge for tackling everyday tasks and challenges. The teaching system emphasizes that students make their own decisions, with knowledge of their consequences. They’re also taught that achieving success requires excellence, which comes with hard work & discipline – no exception. Within just a few days, I saw my daughter waking up on her own, submitting assignments on time, budgeting her allowance, and planning for her career after college.
Due to the individualistic nature of American life, I noticed most students roaming the campus alone. As a father, this concerned me—loneliness in a foreign country is no small challenge. When I spoke to my daughter about it, she explained that people here respect your privacy, maintaining a respectful distance even in queues. They never ask about your family or parents, but they greet you with a friendly “Hello” or “Good morning” and say “Thank you” and “Sorry” frequently. They’re open to help if you ask, but they don’t impose themselves. All rules are applied uniformly, so you don’t feel like an outsider. In the induction ceremony, all new students were sworn in for fair and equal treatment to fellow Hoosiers irrespective of their skin colour and residential status.
My wife and I try to stay connected with her through daily video/audio calls, though time zone is a great challenge. We’ve made sure our calls come across as supportive, not intrusive. We talk openly about our country and culture, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of both places. I try to ensure that while our perspectives may differ, communication should always be flowing. A country’s identity is shaped by its global citizens, and I hope that with the power of quality education and strong character, one day, my daughter will make her country and family proud.
