It was such a simple question, but it made me realize how many things I’ve driven past for months without ever truly noticing. I’ve complained about the traffic here plenty of times, but I hadn’t stopped to think about how different roads and rules can be across places.
I also think about Jason asking why it was nighttime when we were Zooming. As an adult, I automatically accept things like time zones, thinking “of course it’s nighttime there, as it’s on the other side of the world.” But that question reminded me that if you’ve never traveled far from home, it can be genuinely surprising to picture someone living in a completely different part of the world where it’s dark outside while you’re sitting in daylight. It made me realize how often we take these details for granted, and how easily we assume other people “just know” what we mean. Moments like these genuinely made me a better communicator because in research, assumptions can get in the way of clarity. So, thank you guys for your questions because they pushed me to slow down and explain things more clearly.
Speaking of research, I’m currently writing up my Fulbright project’s manuscript, which is basically a full report of what we studied, what we found, and why it matters so others can learn from it too. Yet even though I’m wrapping up this chapter, it isn’t the end of my journey. The tool development work will continue, and I’m leaving India with connections and collaborations that I hope will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Finally, I want to say thank you for helping me rediscover my love for A.S.L. I first became fascinated with A.S.L. in college at Rochester.
