During my time in Dharamsala, I learned to speak a little bit of Tibetan and I taught English to Tibetan refugees. My students helped me learn about their culture and about my own culture from a new perspective. My students and I even tied our shoelaces differently, which reminded me that many things I had assumed were universal are actually connected to my background as an American and a Californian.
My time in Dharamsala and my studies at Earlham inspired me to pursue a Fulbright grant and return to India as an English Teaching Assistant. I was fortunate to receive the Fulbright award to come to India, where I was assigned to Vellore. I help teach English to the students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades at a neighborhood school. I live with one other American named Gillian (Jill-ee-an) and a host family. My host family is teaching me how to tie my saris (sar-ee-s) (traditional South Indian dresses), cook south Indian foods and celebrate many Hindu festivals.
When I am not at school or singing with my three-year-old host sister, Diya, I love to walk around the city and stop to watch all the animals. The cows, goats, dogs and monkeys roam the streets. I love to stop and watch the families of monkeys hang out near the shops or jumping between trees and rooftops. When I tell my students that in California there are not cows and monkeys casually walking around town, many of my students do not believe me. Even though I sometimes miss California and being close to an ocean, I love meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. As I continue to learn about Vellore and the community, I am super excited to share my journey with you!
