Global Experience in India: A Student’s Reflection on Growth, Culture, and Connection

When I first arrived in India, I was wondering how I was going to last here but I did it. Experiencing India was a gift to my eyes. I never considered studying abroad during my three years at CU because I knew it would be too costly for my circumstances. However, I thankfully had the opportunity to receive scholarships which paved a way for me to have a rich experience that only few get to engage in.

I had the privilege of traveling all around India. I started in New Delhi up North, following a small trip to Agra. Then I flew down to the Nilgiris in the South and lastly, Pondicherry on the Southeast coast. India is incredibly diverse. I witnessed such a contrasting lifestyle between the North and South from its cultures, histories, and landscapes. Both beautiful and complex.

Throughout this experience, I learned that traveling isn't a reward of working but a tool to education. My time in India has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my 20 years living. The stories I heard and the people I met left a deep impact on me. I left with new outlooks in life that still leave me reflecting. I interacted with conversations from tribal land rights to the large effects of climate change following discussions on colonial history, rapid societal changes, and systemic caste discrimination. I learned about communities fighting for worker and sanitation rights, education, and health. This issue reinforces patterns of oppression, inequality, and exploitation. While they might feel far away, the reality is that they connect to all of us one way or another. I was constantly giving thought to the parallels back home in America. Many moments hit close to me from the exposure I grew up with in America and the struggles within the communities that raised me.

Communities like the Bedia, Kota, Irula, and Toda, and organizations such as Keystone and Praxis inspired me with their advocacy and change. Many of them are fighting for social change, safety, and access to basic rights. Everywhere I went, I saw hard-working people constantly advocating for a better future. It was deeply inspiring to witness the passion that each individual had that led them to create new pathways for change.

A huge part of me is left behind in India as a rebrand of myself entered into America.

I feel beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and also learn about who I am outside of the borders that are comfortable to me. It was not easy at all, I will say, but in those moments, you are growing and learning so much. I finally understood the difference between a traveler and a tourist. So, leaving as a traveler, thank you India for allowing me to see the richness and beauty in your culture. I hope to see you again.