January 5, 2024

Tired and Inspired: A Day of Discovery

My morning begins by rushing up to the rooftop to FaceTime my family back home. I miss my partner, whose presence I’ve grown used to having each night. Luckily, early mornings grant me the opportunity to chat about the previous day and express my excitement for the day ahead.
After a breakfast of yummy “papas” and a spicy sauce that reminds me of home, we hop onto a bus headed to Rise Bionics, where Arun Cherian and his team spend their days changing lives for the better. Our visit to Rise Bionics marks a pivotal shift in my perspective. Arun’s passionate presentation on prosthetics as life-enriching tools evokes a surge of emotions. Tears well up in my eyes as I realize how humble beginnings and a change in trajectory can transform destinies. His dedication to instilling hope in amputees ignites a fire within, reminding me why I aspire to become an engineer. I must admit, a small pang of jealousy hits me for those contributing to such a profound cause.

After the inspirational presentation by Arun, we visit a Model Village with intricate design details. I am entranced by every scene, particularly one featuring a mama dog breastfeeding her pups, and just across I am treated with the real life visuals of a beautiful mama feeding her many hungry and rambunctious pups. After the tour, we enjoy a mouth-watering meal filled with new tastes and the learning curve of eating with one’s hands.

Following a day full of adventure and delicious cuisine, returning home offers a chance to explore UTC’s surroundings. Walking with my environmental engineering peers to Coles Park, the sight of scattered trash and scuttling rats reminds me that I’m far from home. Despite the numerous stares and the struggle of navigating traffic, I find comfort in being among friends.

As another delectable dinner comes to a close, I begin searching for students to interview for a small passion project. I express gratitude to those who sit through my interview, noticing exhaustion slowly overtaking everyone. Lying in bed, staring at the clock, I attempt to make sense of all the impactful sights and speeches from the day.

With heavy eyelids and a heart brimming with emotions, I embrace my weariness and I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead in our journey with GCIL. Despite my exhaustion, inspiration fuels my determination to push boundaries and embrace the challenges looming ahead. I can’t wait to see where this program takes us next!

By Lexi
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