New H1N1 case reported in Coimbatore. The India Times.
Health is a very important topic in India, especially in developing cities like Coimbatore. I think it is important to be conscious about these things, especially how it may affect the people and their lives.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Annotated Sources #29, Friday (March 30,2012)
Youth Congress functionary stabbed. The Times of India.
This is another sad article, but there again, I am just trying to keep myself informed about the region that where I will be going for the next three months. Also, in keeping myself informed, I can talk to others in the region about what is going on in their country.
This is another sad article, but there again, I am just trying to keep myself informed about the region that where I will be going for the next three months. Also, in keeping myself informed, I can talk to others in the region about what is going on in their country.
Annotated Source #28, Wednesday. (March 28th, 2012)
Driving School charged of molesting a woman. The Times of India.
In Coimbatore (where I will be), a man was accused of molesting a female student. I hate reading things like this but it is necessary to be informed of bad things that happen in India, just like in any country.
In Coimbatore (where I will be), a man was accused of molesting a female student. I hate reading things like this but it is necessary to be informed of bad things that happen in India, just like in any country.
Annotated Source #27 (Monday, March 26)
Coop sugar mill workers to intensify strike. The Times of India.
in Coimbatore, about 6,000 workers have been on strike and plan to make it even more intense because the government refuses to give them higher wages. It is interesting to me to read about things like this, because it is fascinating to see how a group of united people can stand up for their rights.
in Coimbatore, about 6,000 workers have been on strike and plan to make it even more intense because the government refuses to give them higher wages. It is interesting to me to read about things like this, because it is fascinating to see how a group of united people can stand up for their rights.
Annotated #26 Friday (March 23, 2012)
Flat Owners at the mercy of Builders. The Times of India.
Coimbatore-- apartment dwellers are experiencing issues because of the builders. Coimbatore is where I will be, and it is interesting to read about what kinds of things are going on there, especially when it has to do with the people.
Coimbatore-- apartment dwellers are experiencing issues because of the builders. Coimbatore is where I will be, and it is interesting to read about what kinds of things are going on there, especially when it has to do with the people.
Annotated Source #25, (March 21, 2012)
PSG Nurses continue their strike. The Times of India
Nurses in Coimbatore are on strike-- over 450 nurses have been on strike. I think that it is amazing that in that culture, which has the stereotype of being submissive, would show demonstrations.
Nurses in Coimbatore are on strike-- over 450 nurses have been on strike. I think that it is amazing that in that culture, which has the stereotype of being submissive, would show demonstrations.
Annotated Source #24 (Monday March 19th, 2012)
Suburban Train Rams into Car. The Times of India.
In Chennai, a driver was being distracted by his cell phone, and ran into a train. It is interesting to read about news where I will be living.
In Chennai, a driver was being distracted by his cell phone, and ran into a train. It is interesting to read about news where I will be living.
Annotated Source #23 (Friday March 16th, 2012)
Women Stripped and Paraded. The Times of India.
This shows the sad truth about the fate of some women in India and what they must go through. Just another eye opener about some things that happen in cultures.
This shows the sad truth about the fate of some women in India and what they must go through. Just another eye opener about some things that happen in cultures.
Annotated Source #22 (Wednesday March 14, 2012)
Banding together, for their rights. India Togehter
A group of women were united in standing up for their lands against those who want to build on it. I think that this is great information about the culture because it shows the power of the women and how they may perceive their influence and strength.
A group of women were united in standing up for their lands against those who want to build on it. I think that this is great information about the culture because it shows the power of the women and how they may perceive their influence and strength.
Annotated Source #21, (March 12, 2012).
Sasikala moves Karnataca- Tamil Nadu. The Hindu
Another article about accusations in a court case. It is interesting to see that their government and their problems are similar to ours... It helps me see that I am not going to a different planet, just a different country.
Another article about accusations in a court case. It is interesting to see that their government and their problems are similar to ours... It helps me see that I am not going to a different planet, just a different country.
Annotated Source #20 (Friday March 9th, 2012)
Former DMK Minister arrested. Kerala.com
This was an article about a Chennai case. Apparently, the prime minister was accused of covering up a murder. Although this is unrelated to my research, it is good to know about current news in the place where I am staying.
This was an article about a Chennai case. Apparently, the prime minister was accused of covering up a murder. Although this is unrelated to my research, it is good to know about current news in the place where I am staying.
Annotated Source #19, (Wednesday, March 17th, 2012)
How to help Durga and Girls like her. The New York Times
I think that education is so important. This article talks about a young girl is generational poverty, which means that her parents and great grandparents, who were not educated and may not understand the importance of it. This is hard because I want to respect family values while at the same time make a positive change by sharing the greatness of education, so I think it is a hard balance.
I think that education is so important. This article talks about a young girl is generational poverty, which means that her parents and great grandparents, who were not educated and may not understand the importance of it. This is hard because I want to respect family values while at the same time make a positive change by sharing the greatness of education, so I think it is a hard balance.
Annotated Source #18, (Monday March 5th, 2012)
Who deserves Welfare in India? The New York Times
This article talked about the people who live below the poverty line in India, and how many of those people who live "above" it are really poor in actuality. It made me think of the economically underdeveloped women whom will be coming to the NGO where I will be participating.
This article talked about the people who live below the poverty line in India, and how many of those people who live "above" it are really poor in actuality. It made me think of the economically underdeveloped women whom will be coming to the NGO where I will be participating.
Annotated #17, (Friday, March 2nd, 2012)
India's Tribal Women not being protected against Witchcraft Violence. Women's News Network.
This article is really sad, but again opens my eyes to the culture of India, and the many aspects of it. I know and understand that Indian culture is not perfect, and when I read articles like this that helps me see the reality of things, and how I can choose to see the positive and maybe make a difference,
This article is really sad, but again opens my eyes to the culture of India, and the many aspects of it. I know and understand that Indian culture is not perfect, and when I read articles like this that helps me see the reality of things, and how I can choose to see the positive and maybe make a difference,
Annotated #16, (Wednesday February 29th, 2012)
India Domestic Abuse more common in Arranged Marriages- Women's News Network
I liked reading this article because not only does it take place in India, but it gives arranged marriages a bad name, and I think that sometimes it is good to hear about the negatives of a culture. I think that arranged marriages are great, but it is good to hear about the negatives as well, to give us balance.
I liked reading this article because not only does it take place in India, but it gives arranged marriages a bad name, and I think that sometimes it is good to hear about the negatives of a culture. I think that arranged marriages are great, but it is good to hear about the negatives as well, to give us balance.
Annotated #15, (Monday, February 27th, 2012)
Lost daughters- an ongoing tragedy in Nepal. Women's News Network
This article addresses the sad truth of Nepalese girls being trafficked into India, for their fair skin. This is incredibly sad, and it made me wonder how these women who were being trafficked, perceived themselves and what kinds of education are being offered to them, so that when corrupt people try to offer them jobs, they can turn them down.
This article addresses the sad truth of Nepalese girls being trafficked into India, for their fair skin. This is incredibly sad, and it made me wonder how these women who were being trafficked, perceived themselves and what kinds of education are being offered to them, so that when corrupt people try to offer them jobs, they can turn them down.
Annotated Source #14 (Friday, Feb 24th)
A Nation's Lowest Women working under degradation. Women's News Network
This article talks about the young girls in India who have to work cleaning up latrines, and contract severe diseases through this lifestyle. Just opened my eyes to what some women have to go through in developing countries, like India.
This article talks about the young girls in India who have to work cleaning up latrines, and contract severe diseases through this lifestyle. Just opened my eyes to what some women have to go through in developing countries, like India.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
**EXTRA CREDIT POST** Saturday Field Trip with Venkat. A little piece of India in Utah. Saturday, April 7, 2012
On Saturday, Venkat, our Tamil teacher took us out to South Jordan, where we visited the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple and then got south Indian lunch. It was an eventful saturday!
I was very excited for the Temple part! not too excited for the food, but it actually didn't turn out that bad. When I first saw the temple, I was so excited. I saw the engraved gold, and I felt like I was out of Utah. As we were walking around it, I saw the different beautiful decorations, and the engravings on the pillars. Since this was a temple dedicated to the god Ganesh, it had statues of him everywhere. There were tow little elephant statues on the outside of the temple, and they were beautifully engraved. Venkat explained that Ganesh was Siva's son, but that he never married. So, that is why he stands outside of the temple, looking for a wife. He also said that many bachelors in India come to seek the blessings of Ganesh. I thought this was really cool, and interesting because he seemed tailored to the specific needs of the men.
When we went inside, it smelled so good, like fresh incense. The main shrine had a gorgeous statue of Ganesh, and there were colorful flowers decorating his neck. The shrine was so beautiful, and there was a bowl of fruit on the ground. Venkat approached the priest and then the priest started saying chants and prayers in Sanskrit, which is a beautiful language. He had incense, water and a little bowl of fire, that as he approached Venkat with it, Venkat put his hands in it and rubbed it on his face... it sounds more dangerous than it actually was. It was very interesting to see, and so beautiful too. I liked the statue a Siva that was next to Ganesh, and it was so beautifully decorated as well. The priest was very friendly and he didn't keep us from observing, he was very welcoming. He was shy though, and rarely made eye contact. Later, I found out that he was from Tamil Nadu, which made me happy!
There was a young man there, no more than thirty, that worked at the temple. He was so friendly and we found out that he was from Chennai, and was going to be in Coimbatore this summer, to study Sanskrit! He was explaining to us that there the spirit of the gods were everywhere, that there was no separation between us and them, and that the purpose of the temple was to invoke their blessings upon us. I witnessed this first hand because there was a cute little family, sitting on the floor, by the shrine. They were with their little two year old boy, and he sat so still and his parents chanted a prayer in Sanskrit. It was so beautiful to hear and to see. There were quite a bit of people there, and I was reminded that they were just like me, there is a deep desire to connect with the divine and the sublime, no matter what religion one may be.
The young man said "everyone is Hindu until they say otherwise! Hinduism is the mother of all religions". I thought this was so interesting and I had never perceived Hinduism this way. I want to go back to the temple, it was a wonderful experience.
The food was actually good! I was scared, but I really liked the Dosa with the chutni. The rasam and sambar were a little spicy, but they tasted soooo good with the Indian onion rings, as I call them. The mango Lassi was delicious, and so was the rice. I was so relieved to like the food, and now I have one more thing to look forward to, for India.
I was very excited for the Temple part! not too excited for the food, but it actually didn't turn out that bad. When I first saw the temple, I was so excited. I saw the engraved gold, and I felt like I was out of Utah. As we were walking around it, I saw the different beautiful decorations, and the engravings on the pillars. Since this was a temple dedicated to the god Ganesh, it had statues of him everywhere. There were tow little elephant statues on the outside of the temple, and they were beautifully engraved. Venkat explained that Ganesh was Siva's son, but that he never married. So, that is why he stands outside of the temple, looking for a wife. He also said that many bachelors in India come to seek the blessings of Ganesh. I thought this was really cool, and interesting because he seemed tailored to the specific needs of the men.
When we went inside, it smelled so good, like fresh incense. The main shrine had a gorgeous statue of Ganesh, and there were colorful flowers decorating his neck. The shrine was so beautiful, and there was a bowl of fruit on the ground. Venkat approached the priest and then the priest started saying chants and prayers in Sanskrit, which is a beautiful language. He had incense, water and a little bowl of fire, that as he approached Venkat with it, Venkat put his hands in it and rubbed it on his face... it sounds more dangerous than it actually was. It was very interesting to see, and so beautiful too. I liked the statue a Siva that was next to Ganesh, and it was so beautifully decorated as well. The priest was very friendly and he didn't keep us from observing, he was very welcoming. He was shy though, and rarely made eye contact. Later, I found out that he was from Tamil Nadu, which made me happy!
There was a young man there, no more than thirty, that worked at the temple. He was so friendly and we found out that he was from Chennai, and was going to be in Coimbatore this summer, to study Sanskrit! He was explaining to us that there the spirit of the gods were everywhere, that there was no separation between us and them, and that the purpose of the temple was to invoke their blessings upon us. I witnessed this first hand because there was a cute little family, sitting on the floor, by the shrine. They were with their little two year old boy, and he sat so still and his parents chanted a prayer in Sanskrit. It was so beautiful to hear and to see. There were quite a bit of people there, and I was reminded that they were just like me, there is a deep desire to connect with the divine and the sublime, no matter what religion one may be.
The young man said "everyone is Hindu until they say otherwise! Hinduism is the mother of all religions". I thought this was so interesting and I had never perceived Hinduism this way. I want to go back to the temple, it was a wonderful experience.
The food was actually good! I was scared, but I really liked the Dosa with the chutni. The rasam and sambar were a little spicy, but they tasted soooo good with the Indian onion rings, as I call them. The mango Lassi was delicious, and so was the rice. I was so relieved to like the food, and now I have one more thing to look forward to, for India.
The two most important principles. Wednesday April 11, 2012
As I was sitting in class on Monday, and we were talking about our final exam, we talked about all of the vocab that we had to remember and all of the principles, etc. I was thinking about everything that I had to remember, and then Ashley said "we really hope that these principles are something that you could apply to your lives and not just memorize to regurgitate back at the final exam". This stood out to me because not every single principle that I have learned in class, has been truly internalized. However, I wanted to focus on the two most important principles that I have really internalized, and that I really hope to apply to my field study in INDIA.
The first one that I keep thinking about, ever since we learned about it, is being a self-starter. After reading the Ophelia Syndrome, I felt that most of this experience and what I got out of it, had to do with me, and what I was willing to do, and to put in. I am excited to go to the field and put my best efforts towards getting the best out of it. I feel like I am an outgoing person, and I love talking to people about their lives and I love getting to know them. However, I often times feel inadequate because I feel like there are people who are better equipped to do a Field Study who are smarter, and better at other things, but I have been accepted to do this Field Study, and I will do my best to make out of it, the best experience. I like that the Field Studies program emphasizes the principle of being a self-started and giving students the accountability to choose for themselves how they will act and what things they will choose to do in a foreign field. I keep thinking about how the more prepared I go, and the more I decide to do with my time and my knowledge, in the field, I will have a better experience. As the time winds down for me to go India, I think about the different issues and potential difficulties that I may face, but then I am comforted to remember that my attitude will facilitate how I well I cope with these problems and challenges that I will naturally face in the field. I really like what the guidelines to the proposal say about the experience and personal growth that we will all experience in the field. The fact that this experience is up to ME and what I will do with my time there and how I go about it, will determine how much I learn, fills me with a great sense of responsibility. With this responsibility comes a little bit of pressure, but at the same time, I feel like the more I am involved in my own experience, the more "worth it" it will be, and more meaningful.
The second most important principle in my opinion, is that of rapport. I really like international development and all of the principles found there in, but perhaps my favorite part, is that of getting to know people and building long-lasting relationships with them. I love people, and because of my major (Geography-Global Studies) I have learned about different people and cultures, and I have completely fallen in love with it all. I am excited to talk to the people of the village, and I am even more excited to talk to the women and get to know them individually, and get to learn from them. I cannot wait for this opportunity and just thinking about being able to talk to the people, makes me more excited. Only because I love it though, does not mean that I will necessarily have success right away. I know that building rapport will take time, and it will take a lot of effort on my part, but like I mentioned earlier, it will all be worth it. I am very much looking forward to this part of the Field Study, the people and what they have to teach me, is something I look forward to the most.
The first one that I keep thinking about, ever since we learned about it, is being a self-starter. After reading the Ophelia Syndrome, I felt that most of this experience and what I got out of it, had to do with me, and what I was willing to do, and to put in. I am excited to go to the field and put my best efforts towards getting the best out of it. I feel like I am an outgoing person, and I love talking to people about their lives and I love getting to know them. However, I often times feel inadequate because I feel like there are people who are better equipped to do a Field Study who are smarter, and better at other things, but I have been accepted to do this Field Study, and I will do my best to make out of it, the best experience. I like that the Field Studies program emphasizes the principle of being a self-started and giving students the accountability to choose for themselves how they will act and what things they will choose to do in a foreign field. I keep thinking about how the more prepared I go, and the more I decide to do with my time and my knowledge, in the field, I will have a better experience. As the time winds down for me to go India, I think about the different issues and potential difficulties that I may face, but then I am comforted to remember that my attitude will facilitate how I well I cope with these problems and challenges that I will naturally face in the field. I really like what the guidelines to the proposal say about the experience and personal growth that we will all experience in the field. The fact that this experience is up to ME and what I will do with my time there and how I go about it, will determine how much I learn, fills me with a great sense of responsibility. With this responsibility comes a little bit of pressure, but at the same time, I feel like the more I am involved in my own experience, the more "worth it" it will be, and more meaningful.
The second most important principle in my opinion, is that of rapport. I really like international development and all of the principles found there in, but perhaps my favorite part, is that of getting to know people and building long-lasting relationships with them. I love people, and because of my major (Geography-Global Studies) I have learned about different people and cultures, and I have completely fallen in love with it all. I am excited to talk to the people of the village, and I am even more excited to talk to the women and get to know them individually, and get to learn from them. I cannot wait for this opportunity and just thinking about being able to talk to the people, makes me more excited. Only because I love it though, does not mean that I will necessarily have success right away. I know that building rapport will take time, and it will take a lot of effort on my part, but like I mentioned earlier, it will all be worth it. I am very much looking forward to this part of the Field Study, the people and what they have to teach me, is something I look forward to the most.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Experiencing India for a few hours. Monday, April 9th, 2012
On Saturday, our Tamil teacher Venkat, took us to South Jordan, where we visited the Sri Ganesha temple, and were able to see how ceremonies are held there. After that we went to get South Indian food, and it was not as bad as I thought it would be! (More on the temple and the food on the Extra Credit entry).
I really liked the temple ceremonies and I liked what I learned there. I thought the food was pretty good as well, but my favorite part about this field trip was the people that I was able to see. I have never seen so many Indians congregated before, in Utah. In New York, I saw many many Indians, but back then I had no idea that I would be going someday. This time, seeing so many really made a difference. The people, to me, are the most important part. I was so happy to see so many Indian women with their Saris and their beautiful, long, black, braided hair. I loved the fact that I could smile and they would smile right back at me. I did not feel like a stranger in the Temple, I felt welcome by their smiling faces and their deep, dark eyes that would give a warm look. The men too were very friendly, although a little more shy in nature. The men were very nice, and they were explaining everything that went on in the temple. One of the servers in the restaurant, was from Chennai and he was so friendly. When I told him that I was going to Coimbatore in three weeks, for three months, he got very excited and said "Coimbatore is a lot of fun!!". He was so sweet.
While I was sitting there in the restaurant, and looked around to see that I was the minority, I pretended to be in India for a second. I said to myself "I am surrounded by Indians!! I guess this is what it will feel like, times 10". I got really excited and happy, and of course, really nervous. However, being surrounded by these wonderful people, reminded me that I was not going to some foreign planet, but that I would be in a different country, with different people, and yet they were just like me. They valued their religion, they were with their families, they were enjoying meals, just like I would be. I was reminded that I needed to keep a friendly and open attitude, so that when I was faced with the differences, I would be more apt to react positively, than negatively. As the time winds down, and I find myself with one day left for me to go to India, I know that I will feel nervous, but at the same time, I will think about my experience on saturday, being surrounded by Indians, and how that felt, and how happy it made me.
I really liked the temple ceremonies and I liked what I learned there. I thought the food was pretty good as well, but my favorite part about this field trip was the people that I was able to see. I have never seen so many Indians congregated before, in Utah. In New York, I saw many many Indians, but back then I had no idea that I would be going someday. This time, seeing so many really made a difference. The people, to me, are the most important part. I was so happy to see so many Indian women with their Saris and their beautiful, long, black, braided hair. I loved the fact that I could smile and they would smile right back at me. I did not feel like a stranger in the Temple, I felt welcome by their smiling faces and their deep, dark eyes that would give a warm look. The men too were very friendly, although a little more shy in nature. The men were very nice, and they were explaining everything that went on in the temple. One of the servers in the restaurant, was from Chennai and he was so friendly. When I told him that I was going to Coimbatore in three weeks, for three months, he got very excited and said "Coimbatore is a lot of fun!!". He was so sweet.
While I was sitting there in the restaurant, and looked around to see that I was the minority, I pretended to be in India for a second. I said to myself "I am surrounded by Indians!! I guess this is what it will feel like, times 10". I got really excited and happy, and of course, really nervous. However, being surrounded by these wonderful people, reminded me that I was not going to some foreign planet, but that I would be in a different country, with different people, and yet they were just like me. They valued their religion, they were with their families, they were enjoying meals, just like I would be. I was reminded that I needed to keep a friendly and open attitude, so that when I was faced with the differences, I would be more apt to react positively, than negatively. As the time winds down, and I find myself with one day left for me to go to India, I know that I will feel nervous, but at the same time, I will think about my experience on saturday, being surrounded by Indians, and how that felt, and how happy it made me.
Friday, April 6, 2012
19 days left. Friday, April 6th, 2012
As I was looking at my calendar, I counted that there were 19 days left, until I left to India. In 21 days, I will be sitting somewhere in Chennai. I can't even believe that I will be traveling to this land.
Coincidentally, my friend's fiancee was talking to me yesterday about my trip and he brought up some interesting points. He first said "I can't believe that you get to go there!! are you excited?" of course, when anyone asks me this, I always say that I am excited. But yesterday, I said "I am so excited, but I am also absolutely terrified" After he inquired as to why I was terrified, and after I told me him just the normal reasons, he said "Oh yeah I totally don't blame you. I was thinking about that the other day! I went without water and electricity for days on my mission, but that's nothing to what you are going to go through!" I was slightly horrified at his response to me... then he said "I just can't imagine living with no toilet paper!" I laughed for a moment, and realized that toilet paper was actually the least of my worries. I was surprised at this, because I am a CLEAN freak, and I know I'm gonna have a slight heart attack when I see that there's no toilet paper, but through out my preparations, and being in the field prep class, all I keep thinking about, is the people. I just constantly think about them, and how I will try to fit in and how I will try to build rapport and establish meaningful relationships with them.
These next 19 days, I will be thinking of ways to do that, and of ways to reduce the impact of culture shock. Perhaps people freak out when they hear me say that there is no toilet paper, and that I hate curry, but honestly, these things are secondary on my list of "to-think-abouts" for India. I keep thinking about what is most important and what really will matter most. I have learned in my field class, that the most important thing to me, will be the people of India. ESPECIALLY the women whom I will be interacting with. I have also found that thinking about the people, and how great they will be, eases my tension of the other insignificant things, that will be significantly different.
Coincidentally, my friend's fiancee was talking to me yesterday about my trip and he brought up some interesting points. He first said "I can't believe that you get to go there!! are you excited?" of course, when anyone asks me this, I always say that I am excited. But yesterday, I said "I am so excited, but I am also absolutely terrified" After he inquired as to why I was terrified, and after I told me him just the normal reasons, he said "Oh yeah I totally don't blame you. I was thinking about that the other day! I went without water and electricity for days on my mission, but that's nothing to what you are going to go through!" I was slightly horrified at his response to me... then he said "I just can't imagine living with no toilet paper!" I laughed for a moment, and realized that toilet paper was actually the least of my worries. I was surprised at this, because I am a CLEAN freak, and I know I'm gonna have a slight heart attack when I see that there's no toilet paper, but through out my preparations, and being in the field prep class, all I keep thinking about, is the people. I just constantly think about them, and how I will try to fit in and how I will try to build rapport and establish meaningful relationships with them.
These next 19 days, I will be thinking of ways to do that, and of ways to reduce the impact of culture shock. Perhaps people freak out when they hear me say that there is no toilet paper, and that I hate curry, but honestly, these things are secondary on my list of "to-think-abouts" for India. I keep thinking about what is most important and what really will matter most. I have learned in my field class, that the most important thing to me, will be the people of India. ESPECIALLY the women whom I will be interacting with. I have also found that thinking about the people, and how great they will be, eases my tension of the other insignificant things, that will be significantly different.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Culture Shock. I'm hoping it does not last too long. Wednesday April 4, 2012
In class on Monday, we talked about culture shock and what it means... I was honestly freaked out a little bit. But as I listened, I was very relieved to find out that there are coping mechanisms that will make culture shock less traumatic.
The first thing we talked about was the whole "honeymoon phase". As I thought about it, I admitted to myself that I think I was already in that stage. For some reason, every time I picture myself in India, I picture myself running through lush forests and drinking mango juice. OBVIOUSLY I don't think that will actually happen, but I do think about India being more idyllic than I have learned it to be. I think that when I get there I will be seriously surprised. However, I think that the honeymoon phase is a little bit necessary because it will help balance out the stark feelings of reality a little bit. I think that India will be a wonderful place, as difficult as it may be to try to adjust there, I think that it would be good to remember that this really is a great place, and that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be there.
We discussed some of the negative things that we will probably feel and experience. For example, not being able to communicate, whether in the language or with feelings. Becoming hostile towards others, and easily irritated, are also feelings that we might experience. Fortunately, there tends to be a gradual adjustment to the environment and the surroundings. This is where I stopped worrying so much, and started to think of ways that I could make this transition smoother. There was one word that was written on the board that stood out to me, and helped illustrate how I could turn Culture shock into a positive thing and how I could eventually adjust.
The word was: WILLINGNESS. I think this is a powerful word, and it has a lot to do with our individual agency. I thought it was ironic that I was learning about the willingness to accept change, the willingness to recognize that things were different but that they were also going to be Okay, and the willingness to understand that it was okay to be uncomfortable; because that same day, I was in my Tamil class and I was so uncomfortable when Venkat called on me and I didn't know how to say what he was asking me to say. I was so frustrated with myself and that I couldn't say what I needed to say. It all of the sudden dawned on me that I just had to have the willingness to be patient, that I had to be willing to make mistakes. Willingness is something that I will rely on a lot, while I try to adjust in the field.
With the willingness to be able to accept things that are different, the willingness to be flexible, and to accept my current situation, I know that all will be okay in the field, and hard things will turn into manageable things, and eventually pleasant things.
I also find comfort in the fact that this will not be my first time entering a foreign community. I remember how difficult it was to adjust to American culture. To not be able to speak the language, to try to fit in with the kids in school, etc. I have been here fifteen years now, and I am a normal student, living life as an American. Although my entrance into the field will be less startling than my entrance in the USA, reflecting on the experience, reassures me that I can do something difficult, and I know that I will be just fine.
The first thing we talked about was the whole "honeymoon phase". As I thought about it, I admitted to myself that I think I was already in that stage. For some reason, every time I picture myself in India, I picture myself running through lush forests and drinking mango juice. OBVIOUSLY I don't think that will actually happen, but I do think about India being more idyllic than I have learned it to be. I think that when I get there I will be seriously surprised. However, I think that the honeymoon phase is a little bit necessary because it will help balance out the stark feelings of reality a little bit. I think that India will be a wonderful place, as difficult as it may be to try to adjust there, I think that it would be good to remember that this really is a great place, and that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be there.
We discussed some of the negative things that we will probably feel and experience. For example, not being able to communicate, whether in the language or with feelings. Becoming hostile towards others, and easily irritated, are also feelings that we might experience. Fortunately, there tends to be a gradual adjustment to the environment and the surroundings. This is where I stopped worrying so much, and started to think of ways that I could make this transition smoother. There was one word that was written on the board that stood out to me, and helped illustrate how I could turn Culture shock into a positive thing and how I could eventually adjust.
The word was: WILLINGNESS. I think this is a powerful word, and it has a lot to do with our individual agency. I thought it was ironic that I was learning about the willingness to accept change, the willingness to recognize that things were different but that they were also going to be Okay, and the willingness to understand that it was okay to be uncomfortable; because that same day, I was in my Tamil class and I was so uncomfortable when Venkat called on me and I didn't know how to say what he was asking me to say. I was so frustrated with myself and that I couldn't say what I needed to say. It all of the sudden dawned on me that I just had to have the willingness to be patient, that I had to be willing to make mistakes. Willingness is something that I will rely on a lot, while I try to adjust in the field.
With the willingness to be able to accept things that are different, the willingness to be flexible, and to accept my current situation, I know that all will be okay in the field, and hard things will turn into manageable things, and eventually pleasant things.
I also find comfort in the fact that this will not be my first time entering a foreign community. I remember how difficult it was to adjust to American culture. To not be able to speak the language, to try to fit in with the kids in school, etc. I have been here fifteen years now, and I am a normal student, living life as an American. Although my entrance into the field will be less startling than my entrance in the USA, reflecting on the experience, reassures me that I can do something difficult, and I know that I will be just fine.
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