It’s been almost a year since I received the honor of a lifetime: a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms award. After a semester-long course, a global education symposium in DC, and many, many months of speculation in the WhatsApp group chat, it’s finally time. Tonight, I embark on my international field experience with a cohort of 18 amazing educators.

India, here we come!

As I prepare for the first leg of our journey, there are so many things on my mind: did I underpack or overpack? (Spoiler: I definitely overpacked). What the heck am I actually going to teach when I get there? (Stay tuned: in a fun twist, it looks like I’m teaching a math class at one of the schools we visit). Will the heat kill me? (Maybe). Will Delhi belly strike? (Probably). How spicy will the food be, really? (Too spicy for me, I’m sure).

But all these questions, anxieties, and wonderings are trivial. Whether or not I get sick, whether or not I bomb in a room full of 5th graders, I know that I’m in for an incredible, unforgettable, and likely indescribable experience (though I’ll try my best to describe it for you). 

As I begin this journey, I hope to always:

1. Say YES – to the experience, to the opportunity, to the extra samosa. 
2. Breathe and reflect as I say “yes.” Take time when I need it so I don’t burn out.
3. This goes without saying, but LEARN. Engage with intention. Take it all in, sit with it, and move forward with new knowledge.
4. Stay patient and flexible. Typically, I’m great at being flexible and great at faking patience; true patience is more elusive. For the next few weeks, I’m going to stay zen in chaotic situations 🙂
5. Read! So far this summer, I’ve read 2 novels by Indian and Indian-American authors (The Complex by Karan Mahajan, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, and Loot by Tania James). I’ve got 2 others in progress: Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq (short stories) and A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth (coming in at a whopping 1349 pages). I want to keep up the momentum, read local authors, pick up books that Indian teachers recommend, and soak up everything I can from these incredible texts.
6. And, of course: enjoy!

Thank you for following my journey! I look forward to sharing it with you!