Grand Challenges Impact Lab

January 26, 2024

If I Were a Carpenter

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Rather frequently, I ask myself the very question Johnny Cash poses to himself in his iconic song, “If I were a carpenter…?”. In moments when I am frustrated, overwhelmed, or at wits end with the world around me, as I felt today, I ponder my life as a carpenter. I’m not sure what drives my…


January 25, 2024

All the Windows of the Soul

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It has been 25 days now in India. If I could roll back to day one and redo it all like my own version of Groundhog’s Day, would I have the same motivations I have now? I wonder if I have changed much and reflect on how certain things still feel like me. I still…


Birds, Ants, and Sun Tans

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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…


January 24, 2024

Slowing Down

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The past three weeks went by quickly and were action packed. Almost every hour was planned and we were constantly on the move. Yesterday (Monday) started out with our usual breakfast and blog readings, but then my project group had a whole three hours before we were expected to be at the Hasiru Dala office….


Clown Car

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After three weeks of long days filled with exploration and unpredictable adventures, we have entered week four, kicking off our work with our partner organizations. Today, my teammates and I working with Biome had the opportunity to visit some of their project sites. Our day got off to a bit of a rough start when…


January 23, 2024

Being Quiet

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I would say being quiet is something I’m pretty good at. When someone speaks to me directly, it’s routine for me to respond politely, yet uninviting of further conversation. It feels easier to do so, especially as we enter this 4th week in India and other things are occupying my mind. Sometimes I’m thinking about…


To Be Determined

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I woke up more excited than usual; today was my first day with my organization, Swasti. Since I did not know exactly what I would be doing with them, I eagerly looked forward to arriving and beginning work with my team. Since starting GCIL, family and friends have asked me, “Adam what are you doing…


January 22, 2024

Taking the Training Wheels Off

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Starting today, GCIL students will be setting off to start working with our respective organizations. In some regards the past few weeks have been, as best I know how to describe it, the greatest field trip of my life. We have visited temples, parks, met a silk buyer, and given birds peanuts to dance. I…


No Particular Night or Morning

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The past three weeks have been a blur of Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysore and many crammed bus rides. Learning the good, bad, and ugly about each other and India. I catch myself often feeling like these are still our first few days here rather than the end of three weeks. This weekend marked the beginning of…


January 19, 2024

Why are we here?

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This is a question I keep asking myself. So far it seems like we have spent most of our days riding the bus, visiting new places, meeting inspiring people, and learning things I never thought I needed to know. It is all very exciting. Except for the bus part. But why are we doing all…


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