Looking Forward

Hi Everyone!

This week, I have participated in a lot of activities that require looking forward to next year, including ALANAA Brothers and Sisters training, Orientation Team training, and a Town Hall meeting.

This past Saturday, the ALANAA Brothers and Sisters had its first training for the upperclassmen Mentors. For those of you who don’t know, the ALANAA Brothers and Sisters Leadership Program is a fall Orientation Program for first year students of color, international students, and students who identify as diversity allies. The program provides these first year students with the resources to shape and strengthen their experiences here and to empower their voice at the college. As upperclassmen Mentors, we will have training this semester, move in early in the fall to train more, and then be assigned a “little” brother or sister for the First Year Intercultural Experience Program, which takes place two days before the regular fall Orientation Program. Our first training consisted mostly of getting to know the other mentors and their experiences, and reviewing readings and videos on issues of race, diversity, and inclusion. For part of the afternoon, 8 out of the 24 of us split into an “advanced” group, where we were learning more about how to actually facilitate discussions on diversity rather than just participate in them. It was a really productive day, and I am super excited about our second day of training tomorrow! I always enjoy participating in ALANAA training because it brings up a lot of meaningful issues on campus, and allows me to learn about other peoples’ experiences.

On Sunday, I had training for the Freshmen Orientation Program. The Peer Mentors on the Orientation Team have several trainings this semester and about five days of training and preparation right before freshmen orientation in June. On Sunday, we discussed the ideal qualities of a Peer Mentor and also learned about how our personalities would affect the way we work with our partners. It was great to see everyone again; this was the first time we were all together since the retreat a few weeks ago! It is also really exciting to start talking about orientation in real terms; as a third year Peer Mentor, I know what to expect, so I can’t WAIT! (June isn’t that far away right?)

Finally, this past Tuesday, the Student Government Association sponsored a Town Hall Meeting that I was able to attend. The President of the College, Father Cregan, was there, as well as several other administrators from offices like Intercultural Affairs, Student Affairs, Academic Services, Dining Services, and Health Services. The great thing about this meeting was that it was all about the students getting their voices heard; the administrators we there to listen, not to speak. There were three main topics that the SGA Executive Board Members introduced, and for each topic students simply needed to raise their hands for the microphone and speak their minds. We were able to discuss access to student services (like library or cafeteria hours, or health services), inclusion and diversity, and academic resources for smaller majors and minors (such as classes, internships, and career help). There was also time at the end of the meeting for students to address issues that weren’t covered already (such as environmental practices on campus). Overall, the meeting was extremely productive. It was a great opportunity for the administration to keep in touch with what Stonehill students are saying and thinking around campus, and I think that they really appreciated that chance. All of these events had me thinking about next year: the programs I am involved with, how I will be spending my time, and what I would like to accomplish. I can’t believe next year will be my last!

Back in the Swing of Things

Hi Everyone!

I know it has been awhile since you’ve heard from me; I had a hard time readjusting to life in the U.S., so the Admissions office was kind enough to give me some “time off” until I felt ready… but now I’m back!

Let me catch you up on my life since India… leaving my program and the other students I met there was one of the most painful things I’ve ever done. I felt a profound connection to the other 15 girls in the program, I had fallen in love with the country, and I believed I would never again have such meaningful, life changing experiences. While I was home on Christmas break, I enjoyed seeing my family and hanging out with my friends, but there were so many times where I did or said something “Indian” and people didn’t get it, or something happened and I wanted to tell the girls from my program but they weren’t there. Still, overall, I was pretty content and I figured my feelings would fade as time went on.

When I got back to Stonehill, I was so happy to be back and see everyone. I went to the Snowball Semi-formal dance (this is a picture of me and my roommate, Kate, before the dance), got involved in my clubs and activities again, and caught up with friends. But as the days went on, I started to fall back into the feelings I had when I left India. I struggled with the fact that I am a different person now than I was last summer and felt that I was not having a significant impact on anything. I also felt pressure to come back and be the same old “well-adjusted” student… like I had this amazing experience but I should just come back and pick up right where I left off.

But don’t worry, I’ve reached a turning point! A couple of things happened: I had a great conversation with one of the student life staff here about what “well adjusted” actually means, I ran for (and won!) the Student Government Association Executive Diversity Chair position for next year, and I attended the annual Orientation Team retreat. My conversation with Liza (a wise women who runs Intercultural Affairs here at Stonehill) reminded me that I can define “well adjusted” for myself, so I have chosen to define it as using my experiences to be an insightful, helpful leader on campus. One of the ways I’ve started to accomplish this is by accepting the position of Executive Diversity Chair for next year. I’ve also put together a presentation on studying abroad in nontraditional countries with a few other students, and I am contributing more to my class discussions in my Buddhist Ethics class and my Gods and War class and working on an internship with Massachusetts Jobs with Justice. Finally, the retreat with the new freshmen orientation team (check out the picture of me on the retreat with Mike and Dan-two new members of the orientation team) reminded me that there are still meaningful, life changing experiences to be had and absolutely amazing people to meet- just in a different capacity then what happened in India.

Last week was Spring Break, and I had an amazing time catching up with friends. I attended the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade and, since I am 21 now, I even got to celebrate at a popular bar downtown-check the picture on the left to see how crowded it was! When it is all said and done, I really feel like I am finally back in the swing of things. =)

I'm Packing Again!?! Really?

So its a Saturday night, and I find myself packing...again! It feels like yesterday that I was settling into my apartment here in Delhi, but in reality it has already been 24 days! I remember when a month seemed like such a long time, but now I am left wondering where the days went. And I'm not just talking about my independent study period; my whole abroad experience has felt this way. Arriving in August, December seemed SO far away to me, but here it is. At the same time, I have experienced so many things that it seems impossible that I've only been here for 3 months. Time is a tricky tricky thing! I literally have only two weeks left in India, and I am ready to make the most of it! Tomorrow I am taking a train to Darjeeling (a city known for great hikes, tea plantations, and Buddhist monasteries) to meet up with some of the girls from my program and do some "touristy" activities. Then a week from today, we will take a train back to Jaipur. In Jaipur we will all present our projects, complete some wrap-up activities, and even have a formal banquet for our host families. Then, on December 12th, I will board a plane and head back to the United States. I already know that I am going to cry, and it will be a very bittersweet experience. I am really looking forward to seeing my friends and family in the States, but I will also be heartbroken to leave this beautiful country and say goodbye to all of the wonderful people I've met here. My traveling won't end there though. The day after I get home, I am driving up to visit Stonehill! It may seem crazy, but I have a lot of friends who are studying abroad next semester, and this will be my only chance to see them before they leave! I'll be at Stonehill for 3 days, and then I am looking forward to hanging out at home, seeing my friends in Scranton, and getting to know my new dog, Sookie (take a look at the picture my mom sent me)!

Body and Beauty in India

Since my arrival in India, I’ve noticed a few differences in Indian body image and beauty perceptions, but things really came to my attention this past weekend. Unfortunately, I contracted a bacterial infection from something unsanitary that I must have eaten or drank, and ended up in the hospital for 3 days this weekend. It wasn’t a big deal, I just needed to receive IV antibiotics, but while I was there, there wasn’t much to do besides watch TV, so there were definitely some things about beauty and body image that came to my attention through movies, TV shows, and especially commercials.

Skin color is a major focus of the commercials that show on Indian television. Here, the lighter your skin, the more beautiful and admirable you are. There are all sorts of lotions and face creams you can buy that will supposedly make your face and skin 5 shades lighter. Most of these commercials have the same plot: A young woman is unhappy-she is dressed in unflattering clothing, wears no make up and her hair is usually pulled into a simple pony tail. She laments to her beautiful, well dressed, light skinned friend with long flowing, shiny hair. This friend suggests “Ponds White Beauty” (yes that is an actual product) or something like it. The girl uses it, and suddenly not only does her skin turn lighter, but her whole life improves. Her hair and clothes are better; she has more friends, etc. Finally, the commercial ends after this girl gets attention from a man; sometimes staring, a date, or even a marriage proposal!

These commercials stand in stark contrast to the advertising for tanning that I, as a white middle class female college student, am bombarded with in America. The tanning industry in the United States collects roughly 5 billion dollars in revenue this year. Falling into the target consumer group, I am “told” through media and advertising that pale is sickly and unattractive, and clothes look better and sexier if you are tan. Even in the middle of winter, I should still have a “summer glow”.

So my question is: why can’t we just be happy with what we have? Indian people, in my opinion, are beautiful people; there is no reason to mess with this by trying to be “fair skinned”. Same thing goes for fair people in the U.S. Why is one complexion supposedly so much better than the others? In my opinion, all “shades” of people are beautiful. This sounds cliché, but for me its truth. How boring the world would be if we were all the same color! I have a vague idea of where these conceptions of “superiority” come from (historical and cultural context, socio-economic perspectives, advertising, etc.) but I sure wish there was a way to undermine this trend.

A more positive trend that I noticed was the actresses in movies and television here. While their hair, makeup, and clothing are usually close to perfection (much like in the U.S.), their bodies are much more realistic. Western culture has become notorious for super skinny actresses; the kind of girl who’s ribs and spine are easily seen, who has a super flat tummy, no hips, and perfect legs. Not to say that this describes every “western” actress or celebrity out there, but if you are being honest with yourself, you will admit that this does fit the majority. Indian actresses however, while still slim, have hips, and even a tummy! This gives a more realistic image, rather than the “skeleton” look. Don’t get me wrong, I am not bashing skinny people; some people are born with great genes, have a great metabolism, and/or eat right and exercise properly, and that’s wonderful and healthy. I have a problem with celebrities who are so skinny that there is no way they are eating normally, or they are exercising excessively. It sets unrealistic expectations for girls and women. So, in this regard, it is great to see more realistic women on the big screen here in India, and it’s even greater that these women are considered beautiful and physically attractive. I hope this trend will continue in Indian media, despite western influence. That’s all for my little rant, hope you at least found it interesting!

The First Taste of Goodbyes...

I’ve handed in my last assignment, taken my Hindi finals, packed my bags, and said goodbye for now to my host family. All of the major “To Dos” are crossed off. I am going to the capital of India for one month by myself to research and write on a fascinating subject. I am gaining independence and adding another city to my list. I am even producing a research project for my portfolio. So why this pesky feeling?

I know why. Because I’ve handed in my last assignment, taken my Hindi finals, packed my bags, and said goodbye for now to my host family. All of the major “To Dos” are crossed off. I am going to the capital of India for one month by myself to research and write on a fascinating subject. I am gaining independence and adding another city to my list. I am even producing a research project for my portfolio.

This means leaving the nest all over again, so who wouldn’t be nervous? The routine I’ve had for the last two months is gone, and that means so are my teachers and staff (for the time being). I am also saying goodbye to the 15 girls who’ve been with me through the ups and downs of this crazy experience, and the family I’ve shared a home with. Who will tell me how much a rickshaw ride from the mall to the cinema should cost? Who will walk to Café Coffee day with me after class? Who will meet me in the Old City for shopping on a Saturday? Who will give me the name of the best tailor in the city? Who will talk me down when I am thinking about all of the readings we have due? Who will I talk down? What 15 girls will get ridiculously excited over a new jar of peanut butter with me? We all knew when we signed up for this program that there was an independent study project awaiting us, but what we didn’t count on was the dependency we would come to have on each other. They truly are my security blanket: we are there for each other through every small victory, outrageous cultural difference, funny story, and bad day. It is going to be a major adjustment living in a big city without them, but at the same time, I know this will be an incredibly rewarding experience culturally, academically and personally. And most of all, I know that THEY WILL BE THERE WHEN I GET BACK. Until that glorious one week reunion in December, I will save up my humorous stories and cultural challenges, and I know that they will do the same for me. But we won’t talk about the real goodbyes that will shortly follow when we all return home to the states, because that is just too much to think about.

Varanasi

Hey Everyone!

So I am back from my workshop in Varanasi and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! The workshop component of my program is basically to prepare us for our independent study project (ISP) by putting us in a new city where we observe and work in a non-government organization. My assignment was with Varanasi Weavers (VW), an organization that is only 3 years old and has just 6 staff members. Varanasi silk weaving is a skill that has been passed down for at least 1,000 years, and at one time this was a very popular profession because it was a stable job that provided plenty of income. These days however, because of imitations, modernization, and the rising cost of silk and gold thread, hand-woven silk is becoming a dying art and those weavers who remain are living in extreme poverty (some on as little as 32 cents U.S. a day). The organization was founded due to the increasing number of suicides among these weavers. The suicides were a result of feeling shame for not being able to provide for their family. The main goal of VW is to increase the livelihood of these weavers, while supporting them and their families until that happens. They give the weavers marketing training, provide them with basic education so they will not be taken advantage of in the market, and stress the importance of quality and value in their garments. They also will buy the garments from the weavers for a fair price and sell them, or negotiate contracts with companies for the weavers. Besides the initiative for decent wages, the organization starts its own initiatives, works with other organizations, and uses government programs to support the community and improve the quality of life there. These programs include eye and health care, education, electricity, blankets, food, and women’s empowerment. To get to Varanasi, we left by train on Tuesday afternoon and arrived Wednesday morning. This of course meant taking a sleeper train, and let me tell you…it was definitely an “authentic” Indian experience. The compartments are initially set up as two benches facing each other, with a bed high above each bench. Three people sit on each bench, and after you have been served dinner, the compartment is transformed into a “bedroom”. You are provided blankets, pillows, and sheets, and the back of the benches flip up to create a middle bed. I know it sounds confusing, but basically you have 6 beds in an area the size of a pantry...check out the pictures for a better idea. It was fun chatting with the other girls from my program who were also going to Varanasi, and getting to know one of my teachers a little better, but I didn’t sleep very soundly…oh well! After we arrived, we had about an hour to shower and eat breakfast at our guest house before heading to our respective organizations. When I arrived at the office, I was able to meet with Dipti- a petite, feisty, thirty something woman who has been the head of the organization since the beginning. She basically provided myself and Kim (the other student in my program assigned to the office) with all of the background information I provided you, and then asked us to edit a survey they were conducting that weekend in the villages. She also asked us to put together a presentation on the importance of surveys for the college students who were conducting the survey. That night, we met up with the other girls in the city and took a nighttime boat ride on the Ganges River. This river as well as the city is considered holy by many different religions, so people often bath in it, and along the banks there are two areas where cremation ceremonies take place as well as several prayer spots where you can witness daily puja (prayer) in the early morning and at night. Varanasi is known as one of the oldest continuously occupied cities, and is believed to be at least 3,000 years old, so it is literally magical. You can see the banks with all of the old brick buildings and narrow alley ways, people praying, people singing, people shopping…it was amazing.

The next day (Thursday) Kim and I gave our presentation to the college volunteers, collected some surveys, and drove about an hour outside of the city to survey weavers in a village with our Hindi instructor, Archana. That day, we were able to interview 3 weavers and each story was difficult to hear; one man was living with his wife and 5 children on $5 U.S. a month. They talked about how unappreciated their work was, and all decided that they do not want their children to learn this skill because it can not support a family. Everywhere you looked there was poverty...children without proper shoes or clothing, unhygienic living conditions, lack of clean water and food, and so much more. But they were extremely kind, and even tried to offer us what little food they had.

We also spent Friday in a village, but it was a little smaller a more rural. They set up a bed outside for us in the shade, and adults and children alike gathered around us while we surveyed the weavers. This village was also incredibly welcoming…I got to play with and hold an 8 month old baby for quite a while! We also had the additional opportunity to interview women in the community and hear their perspectives. Unfortunately, in weaving there is quite a gender bias. Women are very rarely taught to work the loom; rather they are given the small and difficult tasks like winding the thread or embroidering. And even though they contribute just like their husband, they receive no recognition and no wages. They are also living in difficult conditions, with little electricity, no fridge, no gas stove, no water pumps (meaning they have to walk to the river and carry it back), and no bathrooms (meaning they can only relieve themselves after dusk or before dawn, causing infections). One thing we found out was that some of the women were making beaded necklaces to help support their families, but they were only receiving 1 rupee a necklace, while the trader was probably making at least 20 rupees a necklace. In one of the best moments so far, I was able to purchase about 9 necklaces from 3 women and pay them 50 rupees ($1 U.S.) per necklace, giving them each the equivalent of a month’s income. They were so grateful, and it made me so happy because during this trip we often are expected to observe and learn, but there is rarely an opportunity for us to do something in that moment. Therefore, this experience was exceptional in my eyes, and every time I look at one of those necklaces I will think of those women and how I was able to help them in some small way.

Saturday and Monday, Kim and I were in the office helping to create reports on the different challenges and programs of the organization. While this is not the most exciting task in the world, it really helped that we had already been in the field; this way we were able to picture the people these reports could help.

Sunday was our day off so we had the chance to visit Sarnath, which is described as “the buried Buddhist city”. It is the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and is rumored one of the buildings hold some ashes of Buddha. It was really interesting to see the remains and hear the history behind them, especially since I am not really familiar with Buddhism.

Tuesday it was time to leave, so I woke up at 5 am to see the sunrise over the river and take a few more pictures.Then we said goodbye to Varanasi and boarded the train back to Jaipur. Everything is moving superfast now…I only have one week left in Jaipur before I head to Delhi for a month to complete my ISP…after that it’s a week of wrap-up activities back in Jaipur, then returning to the U.S.!

Happy Diwali!

Hi Again Everyone!

I have a lot of pictures for you this time, since I was able to celebrate Diwali with my family this weekend! Diwali is the biggest festival of the year, and it kind of reminds me of Christmas and 4^th of July. It’s called “The Festival of Lights” and is an official holiday here in India. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains all in different ways, so I will tell you about my experience. Diwali is a 5 day festival, with each day having certain traditions and customs. The first day (this year it was Thursday) is a day to buy anything big or expensive you need: cars, refrigerators, jewelry, steel, utensils, etc; and people save all year to buy these things. Friday was a day to clean the house, replace any curtains, rugs, or bedding, and also a day for haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. Some preparation is also done on this day, like buying sweets or making snacks. Also, on Friday night my family hosted relatives from Mumbai and we took a drive through old city to see all of the lights displayed. Saturday was the biggest celebration of the festival. In the morning, I went out with my host sister to buy last minute things like flowers, powder, lotus leaves, and more sweets- I can only describe this as black Friday shopping, but ten times worse. Then I helped her decorate the shrine they have in our house with the flowers and leaves we bought. Sweets, fruits, snacks, and nuts are also placed on dishes in front of the shrine.

Then it was time to dress up and get ready! Because it is such a special day, I wore a full traditional sari, and my host family and neighbors were very excited. Then at 8:30pm, my family held puja (prayer) to Lakshmi and Ganesh, the Goddess of Wealth and God of Prosperity. This included my host father smudging red powder on everyone’s forehead and tying a red thread around our wrists for prosperity and protection, and the lighting of mustard oil candles. After that it was time to party! We exchanged small gifts, went outside where all of the neighbors were setting off fireworks to celebrate, ate at our house AND our neighbor’s house, and even played some cards…it was a long night and I was up until about 2am! Sunday was much more low-key; friends and family visit each other all day and enjoy sweets, snacks, and chai together. Today was the last day of celebration, and this is devoted to siblings. Traditionally, the sister blesses the brother and cooks food for him-if she is married he will come to her house to visit. I consider myself very lucky that I was here to witness this unique display of culture and help my family celebrate! Tomorrow I leave by train to Varanasi, where I will be working with the Varanasi Weavers Organization until the 28^th, so look for another post shortly after!