I did it!

by G. V. Umadevi

I lived in Columbia University buildings for four years. Students from all over the world who were attending Teachers' College and Columbia University lived in the same building. A friend of one of the Spanish students from Teachers' College took me to a place near a Spanish church to play Christmas songs for Spanish people who spoke no English. My friend spoke in English to me and translated into Spanish for them.

My friend left me alone with these non-English speaking people. So without knowing exactly what to do, I started playing Christmas songs on my harmonica and on my Indian instrument which I had brought with me. At once the whole group began singing the same songs in Spanish!!! I asked them some questions in English and received no answer. I began feeling nervous and a bit queasy. But because of the music I was able to cope. They asked me some questions in Spanish. I answered "si, si," and I managed, somehow, with great difficulty to say a few Spanish words. Then we all laughed and I left the place happy and proud. I did it! I made it happen!

I also went to a Seventh Day Adventist Church and played songs to the churchgoers there. They were very polite and respected me. Everybody spoke English. So no problem for me. Before I went to that church everyone at Teachers' College warned me "Do not wear your Indian dress. You'll get killed if you go there dressed like that." But I went wearing my sari. Again, I did it!