When I arrived in the United States (Urbana-Champaign) back in the summer of 1993. I never imagined that the Cosmopolitan House would become, in the years to come, more than my second home. The first thing I remember about my first day in Champaign is the horrible weather (extremely hot for me-90o/95oF when compared to the average temperature in Lima-60o/75 oF). The first things I remember about the Cosmo House are: 1) the large space of the house, 2) the warm, friendly, and welcoming attitude of its residents, and 3) the multicultural environment. Elaine Chapin (my office mate at that time) along with Maria Venditti (Cosmo resident from Argentina) were the two people that introduced to me the Cosmopolitan House. I had met Elaine in Peru, and she had inquired through Maria if there was a room available in her house for me. Maria immediately showed me the Cosmo House, and explained to me the advantages of living in the house. I felt even more comfortable because the structure of the house and the details of living there were explained to me in Spanish. I had difficulty understanding English at that time. Without any hesitation I decided to live in the house to experience the Cosmo spell.
The kitchen was, is and will most likely remain the social place in the house. I think this is the place where all of us who do not have any cooking skills eventually will acquire them by observation. It is also the place where we are exposed to such variety of cooking habits. I didn't know how to cook at all (other than frying an egg and making rice). I didn't have a car either but other Cosmo residents did. On the few times I could go shopping with them, I tried to buy as much as I could, freezing what I couldn't immediately use. I wasn't educated at all in cooking techniques or food storing techniques. As an example of my ignorance: I used to freeze potatoes. (fresh regular ones). Needless to say, the potatoes were pretty much useless afterwards. Not to mention the confusion and chaos I caused to other residents when attempting to defrost the potatoes in the regular Cosmo refrigerator in the kitchen. I still remember Kazumi Ohira and Judy Gordon figuring out the leakage onto their shelves came from my potatoes.
I had lived all my life in Lima, Peru in a room (with my parents, my four brothers, and my sister) that was the size of my own room in the Cosmo House! The room was gigantic to me and it had two nice windows with beautiful views. And more important, there was abundant water in the bathroom available 24 hours a day. It was the first time in my whole life I could enjoy a nice, relaxing shower (with hot water!). The house was a paradise to me. The people eventually became my friends, and two of them became like my own family: Judy Gordon and Kazumi Ohira. Ben Chen became my best friend. I have a large database of stories I experienced my first year in the Cosmo House. I wrote down most of them. I wish I could share all of them with you but I can't due to space limitation here. But I will tell you one that is a mixture of kindness, support, friendship, and love.
On December 3, 1993 several house residents went to a bar in Champaign downtown to dance and have a good time. Bret and Ben used to organize these activities. On the way back we had an accident. My head hit the windshield of the car and I think I broke it with my head. I was immediately taken to a hospital near by for an examination. Ben Chen , his friend Tom, and Delphine Mei came along with me. I was conscious. At the hospital I went through the usual routine. They took 12 X-rays of my neck and finally told me that I had an unusual neck and that everything was OK. When we arrived home (the Cosmo House), all the residents were gathered waiting for me. Everybody was very happy to see me and to see that I was alright. I still remember the lovely hug Judy gave me. She really was (and is) like a mother to me. Judy and Kazumi had prepared a delicious soup for me. I then was interrogated and examined again by Delphine and Kazumi. I guess they were curious how hard my head and neck was. We all were laughing about my strange body structure. I laughed a lot that night and I also realized that somehow we were all connected. I didn't feel alone.
Two years later I became the House Manager. It was a real challenge (well, it still is). But it is very rewarding. I think I have learnt a lot in dealing with problems involving people from different cultures. I have developed my own profile about people from different countries. There are exceptions of course but on the average they all fit into my profile. It does help me a lot when I have to enforce the quality of the cleaning duties we all have to perform in the house. We are all students and we all agree to do those duties when we move in. There are no exceptions. I have faced a diverse number of situations that are unique to my position in the Cosmo House. Every single one has been an interesting experience.
I will be leaving sometime next year after getting my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. The Cosmopolitan House will always have a special place in my heart. My mom was shocked when I went back to Peru and I was able to "cook" (just to name one component of my change); not only that but I could cut vegetables quickly. She was even more surprised when I told her that I hosted a Peruvian Dinner and several Peruvian Coffee Hours at the Cosmo House. My brothers, sister, mom, my dad (wherever he may be in spirit), and my friends in Peru are always looking forward to my stories from the Cosmo House. My sister is always fascinated by every event, and always provides useful and creative suggestions. She is very sympathetic towards the female characters. My little brother on the other hand is more sympathetic with the male perspective and always points out details that sometimes escape my attention. My mom always says, "I always thank God for guiding you towards a wonderful place." My brother Pancho is very tough with every story I tell. My brothers Jesus and Goyo along with my niece Alisa all enjoy interrogating the friends I have brought home so far: Kazumi Ohira, Mike Tompkins, and Mike Palac.
When I look back and ruminate over the years I have lived in the house, I always find tons of joyful moments but the most important thing was discovering through personal experience that true friendship does indeed exist. I see myself in the future telling my sons, grandchildren, etc, all these stories.
I would like to thank the Cosmopolitan Executive Director Andrea Shields for her continual and encouraging support. I hope you enjoyed reading this article.
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| Julio
and friends in the Cosmo TV room, November 1993. L to R: Julio, Kazumi, Phoebe, Sung-woo, Norma, Xiuhong, and Judy. |