February 7, 2024

Pockets of Peace and Gratitude

I’ll be honest; the past week has been a struggle, grappling with my own emotions as we navigate through the halfway mark of the program. Each day feels like a battle to get out of bed and conquer the day.

However, amidst the challenges, the unwavering support from fellow peers has become my source of strength. Witnessing the collective effort to aid one another, especially over the weekend when illness hit half our group, was both heartwarming and motivating. The sharing of pain meds, water, and any comfort we could give demonstrated a level of camaraderie that inspired me to invest more effort into my work.

Amidst the chaos, it’s these small acts of kindness that have become my lifeline. For instance, just the other day when a group of students were going to the nearby market, Arielle, without hesitation, got me a ginger ale from the store, and when I asked how much I owed her, she replied, ‘Don’t worry about it!’, or when Nana and Audrey prepared a thoughtful, inclusive tomato soup, making sure to accommodate everyone’s specific dietary needs, or Monika who woke up early to treat us to pancakes not once but twice – these moments of generosity create pockets of peace amid the chaos of everyday life here in India.

Beyond the everyday kind gestures lately, I have been grateful to have a community. I am grateful to have a group I can always go to the gym with. I am grateful that when someone is in need, we can text our ‘students only’ group chat and get a response in just a few minutes. I am grateful for our mentor Kaylea who is always there to hear our grievances and come up with solutions. I am grateful for Sneha who is always making sure I had enough to eat. I am grateful for Aaliyah for always having time to listen to all my random complaints. And I am grateful for all of you that always say ‘hi’ and ask how I am doing – these moments weave a supportive tapestry that I am immensely grateful for.

This program has both been challenging and tiring but having the compassion and care from my peers has been a constant anchor. I would like to thank all of you for making me feel better even if you don’t know it. I hope I am returning the favor by lending whatever I can whether that be a comforting presence, a shoulder to lean on, or even some sunscreen which I know is a valued commodity on these scorching days!

We are told at the beginning of this program that this would be a Boot Camp and that has proved to be the case with both moments of fun and difficulty. Though my heart has weathered challenging days, I know I’m not alone in this sentiment, and I believe that our work is making a true difference which has kept me going.

In the end, despite the hurdles, I am convinced that the collective effort we’re putting into this program is worthwhile, and that, together, we are making a lasting impact.

By Lexi