January 25, 2024

Birds, Ants, and Sun Tans

During my time so far in India, I have been taking notice of birds. I’ve observed the diverse ways they navigate the skies – some in pairs or flocks, but the majority I have seen soar alone. This solo flight of birds has sparked my own contemplation about how people interact and the distinct nature of personal journeys.

These past few days, I have been trying to embrace solitude, practicing self-reflection and immersing myself in the world around me. This reflective period has got me thinking about how we, as humans, treat one another amidst the ever-evolving tapestry of life.

Today we had morning lectures at BMS College of Engineering where we learned how Professor Raghunath has been working on housing solutions for villages and low income communities in need. These lectures I noticed have been affecting everyone so differently, but for me they have been reshaping my perspective on my passions and my own morals. While I initially approached this journey with the intent of igniting change, I have come to understand that change isn’t always a linear process. This was evident in the BMS lecture when we learned that even though new housing and retrofitting can work in some communities, in others they simply don’t. Reflecting on change and its nonlinear nature has been a crucial part of my soul-searching here in India.

One of my solo activities I have been enjoying are daily tanning sessions where I get to soak up the sun on UTC’s rooftop. Although it may not seem too interesting, these daily tanning sessions have given me some unexpected insights. On my first day up on the roof, I saw individual ants each diligently collecting crumbs without much consideration to where they were going or coming from. However, as days passed, I witnessed a transformation – more ants collaborating, sharing food, and working together towards a common goal. This sight of a unified colony reminded me of the collective purpose that brought us here to India. And that individually it can feel like change is out of reach; however as a group, we have the opportunity to create real change and impact those most vulnerable.

I’ve realized that, much like the birds and ants I’ve observed, taking time alone for reflection is essential. However, it is just as equally important to recognize that our ultimate purpose here is to address Grand Challenges as a collective. In my moments alone, I now understand that despite the want for independence, we are here to tackle these challenges together – a united team of college students each on our own distinct yet interconnected journeys.

By Lexi