Now, it is essential to mention that, although I was working in TCS, I did not save the money (not even used it wisely). So, all my expense had to be taken up by my parents. I was in no condition to pay for fees but, because I did not save any money I was even able to pay for my daily expenses in USA. I was given money by my parents. It’s their greatness that they never refused to give me money for needful purpose, whenever I asked. During, August of 2009, I realized that, it will be very unfair on my part if I do not manage get a part-time job. I hoped, at least I will earn so much so that I can bear my home expenses. Because, we rented the apartment together, it helped reduce the living cost. Still it was around 250-300$. Which at that time was Rs 13,000-15000 per month, a good good some by Indian standards. Within first week I had seen The Leach Theatre building. Considering my background, I felt I can apply here for a job.
“Anyone who is going or will be going to USA as a student, bear in mind that working in USA while being an International student on F-1 visa, outside the campus is legally not allowed. To work in USA one must have an SSN and illegal jobs don’t provide one. So, as far as possible find a job within the campus so that, you won’t get thrown out of the country back to home. Libraries, Reception Desks, Recreation Centers, Catering Services and Theatres.”
I followed this advise given to me and applied for a part-time job in the Leach Theatre. Emily Brickler, was the head of Leach Theatre. I prepared my resume sent it to Emily. That was my first ever job application in my entire life. (I was selected in TCS during campus interviews). She asked me to meet her. I must confess I was nervous, because looking at the condition of others around me, it was very clear that if I don’t get a job now, it is going to be tough to find one. I met her and was taken aback, a short white lady, shorter than me. Till then I had seen really tall women so far in USA. At first I thought she is not very interested in my resume and even thought her to be a bit taciturn (sorry Emily!). I was offered the job of an Usher in the Leach Theatre. According to me I was second Indian directly employed by Leach Theatre (Tushar Dhar was already working in Leach). (I might be wrong in this assumption). She told me about the work, dress code and other details. I had to fill a form, so that I can officially be employed. Today, when I look at my SSN card, I become nostalgic, because my SSN is generated by The Leach Theatre!
Till, the form was submitted and I officially joined the Leach, (The Leach Theatre is a very long name so I used to call it as just Leach) I had requirement to be fulfilled, the dress. The dress code for male ushers in Leach was white formal shirt and black trousers. At that time, Rolla had only two places where you could by clothes. Either, Walmart of JCPenny. Walmart is less expensive than JCPenny, so you can safely assume where I went. Walmart is around 1.5 miles from 101W 15th Street. I walked to Walmart for the first time. Bought the clothes and came back tired. Unfortunately, it was my turn of cooking. By this time, Himanshu had got the Research Assistant position in Electrical Engineering department. In my friends group, Himanshu was the first one to get a job and first one to get graduated as well.
For me, I was happy that I have got a job which paid based on the shows attended. It was not a fixed salary job, but , still I liked it and am proud to be part of Leach. Usher’s job is to be present before the show, make sure the auditorium is neat and clean, check if anybody has left something, collect the tickets, usher people to their seats, arrange for food and wine in case there was requirement and most important of all Keep an eye on the people and make sure that nobody is keeping their feet on the seat in front. I was confused in the beginning about, how to ask an unknown person to take his feet down. Eventually I learned to do it. I would like to mention on difference between Indian and American culture. If had to do the same job in India, my friends and relatives would have looked down upon me, because it is not considered as a ‘good’ job. But, in USA I never felt ashamed of this job, rather it gave me confidence. Today, when I think of it, dignity of work is one of the prime reasons, nobody wants to leave USA. It is the greatness of it’s culture that everyone in the society is given the same respect, no matter what job he/she does. I have carried this culture to India with me.
Being an usher, you have to remain present in the auditorium for entire show. Many people might think it boring, but for a theatre person like me it was a bliss. Leach used to have a variety of shows. Plays, School’s Annual Festivals, Speeches, University Lectures, Plays by groups outside the University, orchestra, fashion shows, shows arranged by various fraternities and sororities, children’s competition and best of all Friday Movie! (On each Friday a professor, used to arrange critically acclaimed movies in the theatre) So, Leach had it all drama, music, dance, colors. Those were fantastic days of life. I had everything except scholarship of some kind as an RA (Research Assistant) or TA (Teaching Assistant). But, there were troubles standing for me in the coming future. They torn my peace and straightforward life. But, I was in no condition to sense those and
I had realized that Leach is the small door which brought me back to the stage