Philanthropy: Paying It Forward (Pre-India)

Currently I am sitting at the office, trying to work, but failing miserably.  All I can think about is an experience that happened before leaving for India.  I've been meaning to write about it, but simply couldn't find the time.  Since I can't get it off my mind I guess I'll write about it now....

A couple days before my flight I went to stay in Cape Girardeau for a couple of days.  I had some free time so I decided to visit a little shop downtown that had recently opened.  It is called Philanthropy Fashion.  This is a very unique and overall wonderful organization!  It is a social enterprise focused on social good, which is exactly what my future in India is all about.  They sell beautiful and fashionable clothing, some from around the world, and donate partial profits to local charities.  The store pledges at least 10% of its total sales to these designated charities.  Cape is the first franchise of the mother store, which opened in June of 2007.  Their platform and belief is that a business built around charitable works and grounded in Christ can make a difference in the world.  I didn't know much about this business when I entered their store, but after leaving I felt in awe of the works being completed by this business and its owner.  

My necklace I wear most days with the Giving
Key, my 'dog person' charm, and my Sinfonian
Sweetheart pendant from Andy

I was fortunate enough to meet the owner during my visit.  I found an awesome pair of sandals called Sseko Sandals and mentioned that Africa was close to my heart because of my time spent in Rwanda last year.  The co-operative making these sandals is very similar to the co-ops I encountered while in Rwanda with Global Youth Connect.  I then heard the owner's story, and she listened to what I'd be doing in India. I was so inspired by her!  And apparently she was inspired by me as well which was an amazing feeling.  Before leaving she gave me a Giving Key inscribed with the word Inspire.  She said I had inspired her, and she just felt like she needed to give this key to me.  The Giving Key is a great organization that works to employ the homeless while putting its profits towards transitional homes and facilities.  The idea is that when you buy a key, or are given one, you must not keep it.  Instead, you should pay it forward during some time in your future.  For example, the owner of Philanthropy felt inspired by my story and what I was doing so she wanted to give me something meaningful to explain and share that amazing feeling.  At some point I will pass that key along to someone who inspires me as well.  The entire idea is based upon paying it forward.    

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the first candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. 

Buddha truly knew how to turn a phrase!  All kidding aside, this quote is very important to me for many reasons.  I use it now because it touches so greatly upon the idea of paying it forward, sharing our own success and happiness.  It is so easy to do, yet all too often we bottle up that show of love and good tidings for ourselves as if releasing it will cause us to be unhappy!  Tolerance and compassion are the most amazing and heartfelt ways to share the love.  My current situation is quite the measure of this!  I am surrounded by amazing people who all believe very different things.  It is important to always remember that God never once told us to only be nice and compassionate toward people who think and act like ourselves!  We are commanded to love our neighbors around the world, no matter their beliefs or customs, skin color, sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, etc.  

One class of Girls at my school

Before leaving for India I found myself doubting... myself, my capabilities, my life paths, my goals, my everything.  I knew God had something great in store for me, but when faced with difficulties and the unknown it is easy to forget to trust Him and His plan.  I've tried many times to make my own plans; they do not resemble my current situation at all!  God knew what was right for me, even when I didn't.  Here I am in Hyderabad, India:  the majority here are of Hindu faith, I am living in a predominately Muslim neighborhood, and I am working with a completely Muslim school.  In no way am I here as a missionary.  In fact, India has strict laws against various kinds of conversion between faith, etc. and I am not in the business to be breaking laws!  However, I am free to believe as I choose without interference with my work.  I can show God's love through my actions instead of through words.  Most Indians I have encountered through my school associate white people with Christianity.  This may not be the whole of India, but for my situation it is.  They associate my actions with my beliefs.  Reality check?  You bet. 

Trying to keep that blonde covered!

The moment my troubles and worries ceased was when I prayed.  I prayed for strength and guidance.   When I visited Philanthropy I never imagined a little key would help to transform me so much!  That one incident helped set a lot more in motion than that wonderful lady could have imagined.  I had been struggling without realizing it.... I needed to recapture my own faith and beliefs.  I'm definitely still working on it, but I am getting there.  All too often I explain to people that religion is man-made and will always falter, but faith is truly divine.  I can't explain where I'll be after this year, or five years from now, but I know with a little help I'll be happy and will hopefully still be trying to 'pay it forward' in every way I can.  Because of my faith, I know that I can make it through this year and hopefully do some good along the way. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  - Jeremiah 29:11

Catching Up!

For everyone reading this around the globe aka my family, friends and old co-workers, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for further updates!  Things the past two weeks have been rather hectic and crazy.  This post is going to do a little 'catch-up' on information.

My roommate, Lillie, and I are dressed to impress!

First, following my grand arrival in Southeast Asia I realized I was in for a heck of a lot more than what I had previously bargained.  Everyone has those moments of desperation while starting something new where the only thoughts entertained are things along the lines of 'is it time to go home yet?' etc.  I have quickly realized that I have to learn the language.  Asap.  I knew this, but have put it off in hopes of figuring out just which language is most useful.  Telugu is the foremost language in the city, with English and Hindi.  However, Telugu is not a useful language to me following this fellowship.  It's kind of like how I learned so much Kinyarwanda last year, only to have lost all my skills after leaving Rwanda.  I have entertained the idea of learning Hindi, but have continuously questioned its use to me after this year if I decide not to work exclusively in India.  I would like my language choice to help provide me with a marketable skill so that my big-kid job following grad school will possibly 1. pay more and 2. be more exciting.  After talking to my school owner (more on this in a minute) I realized another popular language among the Muslim community in Hyderabad is Urdu.  This language is also spoken elsewhere, particularly in Pakistan.  Job searching with a not-so-common language fluency that is related to a highly sensitive area for the government could help me out later on!  Urdu is actually a language closely related to Hindi.  Because of this, many people have said Hindi should be the way to go.  I have been trying to find an Urdu/English translation book in the city, but no luck thus far.  Also, finding a tutor has been hard since most people learn Urdu through their family and religious center.  I haven't made up my mind yet, but hopefully after meeting with my school I can clarify my options.  I believe Urdu is widely spoken by teachers and students.

Moving on to my school: Mohammed Memorial Educational Society. I met my school owner the other day, Mr. Mustaq, and am very excited to begin work!  I was supposed to meet with him at the school this past Monday but once again the IDEX schedule changed.  Surprised? Not really.  I was then supposed to go this past Wednesday, but I had a lovely visit planned to the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) so I could register as a foreign resident.  Thursday was out since Mr. Mustaq was away from the school, and although I am supposed to go tomorrow I'm not sure if that will work either because our IDEX meeting is supposedly extremely important tomorrow.  Either way, Mr. Mustaq gave me the directions by bus for the school so I'm excited to try that out instead of taking those awful auto rickshaws!  We'll see if I ever actually get there.... But during our very brief meeting, Mr. Mustaq and I quickly discussed a few ideas for this year.  I can't wait to bring back the books and Leappad Learning systems for the new library!  Also, he seemed thrilled at the idea of pairing his school with more outside organizations since it would provide services at little-to-no cost for him/the school.  Overall, I know it is going to be a tough year; but I cannot wait to begin working on a legitimate schedule that will allow me the freedom to truly impact Mohammed Memorial.

p.s. It is located on Dairy Farm Road..... I feel like smelly cows will be surrounding the neighborhood.  Goodness I hope not!  

Britney Spears sing-a-long?

I'm trying to think of other exciting things that have occurred the past two weeks.  Like I mentioned, yesterday I went to the FRRO and have officially been deemed worthy of Indian residency!  Seemed a little redundant considering all of the papers submitted had already been turned into the Indian government in my application for a visa.... oh well.  It didn't take long at all!  Other fellows' did, but I guess I was lucky.  Other fun things include meeting all of the other fellows, parts of our training, and exploring the city.  Our group went to a karaoke bar one night which was really fun!  All of us blonde fellows thought it would be hilarious to sing Britney Spears, but unfortunately the DJ never called our turn.  Probably a good thing!  A weird thing here though, every place closes extremely early.  Like 11:30pm.  All of my sorority sisters in Cape Girardeau are probably having small heart attacks just imagining a bar closing at that time!  Another interesting thing is that some of the 'hip' places are Hard Rock Cafe and TGIFriday's.  'Merica!  haha I couldn't believe it!

Old City

Inside the Charminar

I have also been sick.  I don't think it was from food or water.  I was getting a lot of mosquito bites and decided to spray DEET bug spray.... unfortunately the humidity had me sweating like a sinner in church, so the DEET was everywhere (even my face and hands).  I'm betting that I ingested some because I was throwing up for 2-3 days following the day I sprayed myself.  It may have been something else, but my bet is on the bug spray.   I actually missed the Heritage Walk through the old city, the Charminar, and breakfast at the palace. Ugh.  I made it to the meeting spot, but after throwing up that morning's water and banana next to  the bus stop.... I figured it was time to go home.  I paid a bit more with an auto to get home, and then tipped him an extra ten rupees because he stopped halfway through so I could throw up.  So glad to have had a nice/semi-understanding auto driver for once.  

My eye after the swelling began to go down....

&& on top of being sick, one day recently I woke up and my right eye was swollen shut.  We think maybe some kind of bite or allergic reaction?  Good news: it went away after a few rounds of benadryl and eye drops.  Bad news:  I looked hilariously stupid.    

Birthday girl, Mariam!

What have I learned? People here are actually really friendly.  It took me a bit to appreciate this, but I'm starting to understand.  Sometimes the staring really is uncomfortable, but realizing the men do not have x-ray vision helps to ease my mind.  When I (or my silly auto drivers) need directions, asking anyone on the street is a quick and (usually) easy way to get from point A to point B.  Also, it is really fun to have women in saris and in burquas come up to me asking me random questions, usually out of both curiosity and their perpetual need to practice their English.  Another nice gesture?  Random people wanting to have us over for dinner.  We met a lovely mother and daughter from Chile at the vegetable market who are here teaching.  We went to their house a few days later to break the fast (Ramzan is currently happening!  Happy fasting!).  It was also her daughter's birthday, so we ate dinner with their friends from Sudan, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.  It was a nice night ending with cake and a fun game of Uno.  Yes, I did win once!  

  

Another day I will devote a post to all of the fun places to shop and all the 'cool' things I've bought to make living here easier.  For example, the picture wall I've made above my too cool for school sheet set from Big Bazaar India?  That's making my life easier!  

Maybe I'll also remember some more interesting stories from the past two weeks.... I know there are a lot more!  But to leave you all with a fun little laugh: I saw this sign on the way home from the FRRO.... GENIUS COLLEGE!  They sure have set the bar high for themselves....

Arrival in India

What a trip!

I left Harrisburg for St. Louis Tuesday night after an exhausting day full of packing and tears.  Nothing fit and all of my bags were too heavy. Deciding finally to take three 50 pound bags instead of two, we were on our way.  We arrived late that evening, and it didn't take long for me to fall fast asleep.  The next morning we arrived at the St. Louis International Airport at 5:45am.  It was so hard to say bye to mom and dad.  And the day before saying bye to my grandparents was also incredibly difficult. Everything was starting to really sink in at this point.... it was really happening.  I was not just leaving for a trip, but moving abroad for almost a year.  Andy had parked his car and met me inside after I said goodbye to my amazing parents.  He stayed with me until I went through my final security check.  He came back a few times which made it easier and harder at the same time.  I wasn't questioning my decision, I was just realizing the full gravity of my choice.

After making it through my security check I boarded my first plane bound for Dallas.  Next stop was Dubai, then Hyderabad.  Nothing too exciting, but when we arrived in Hyderabad customs it all changed.  I definitely should have learned the language.  Apparently the piece of paper I had printed out with my contact numbers and my address had fallen out between flights so I didn't have an address for my customs form.  It was a complete mess. The officer actually told me I would have to go home!  Back to the plane!  Of course the language barrier caused the confusion, and my sleep deprivation caused tears to start flowing.  Eventually someone felt bad for me and helped me locate an address.  Pickup was also interesting.  Shruti had emailed new pickup information.... but didn't have access to the internet because of the flights!  Luckily another fellow was there, and we got to our new places quickly and safely.  Arriving upstairs I met my lovely new housemates and met the boys next door.  I think this is going to really work out well!

I'm not going to say that so far everything has been peachy, but I'm adjusting.  Things here are just.... different.  I guess I assumed that nothing could be more 'different' than Rwanda.  I was wrong.  This is like bringing cultural divide to an entirely new level! I fell in love with Rwanda the moment I saw the hills.  India, though, is going to take a bit of patience.  Perhaps a love/hate relationship?  I definitely am warming up to Hyderabad, and I know that everything is beginning to fall into place.  I've been here about a week and it already feels like a couple of months.  Things have been very fast paced, yet inexhaustibly slow as well.  Weird, huh?

I'll try to continue with some of the excitement of the past week in my next post, but to finish this one I'll post some pictures.  I can't get video to post yet though.... I need to figure all of this tech stuff out! But here is just a little taste of India.  Remember, it is monsoon season here....

last picture in the USA!

View from my window

First rickshaw in India

Wearing some fancy new clothes.

floods

floods

Struggles.

Keeping my cool under the pressure of obtaining a visa? Check.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy.  

Every day resilient people face the world head on, managing to live and prosper with their decisions and actions.  The struggles and triumphs of life,whether large or small, are what make each day fascinating.  I learned long ago that every person has a cross to bear, often hidden, and it can change continuously throughout life. Little or small, each process affects each of us differently.  I've always had a tough time with this because I walk the line between wanting to save the world by 'helping' everyone, and understanding my own limitations.  I hate to admit when I cannot achieve something I have set my mind toward.  Because of this, setbacks affect me a lot!

Luckily for me, I have led a blessed life.  I have worked hard to achieve goals, and can often maneuver plans to avoid major derailments.  However, being from the Midwest (and my momma's family is from TN) means some Bible belt sayings have been ingrained into me since birth:

• If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
• I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but I just wish He didn't trust me so much.
• If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

.... just to name a few.  Good news, I have been fairly successful thus far and God has liked my plans and has never let me break under the weight of any life problems.  But when I decided to take a year off after graduating my life plans began to change, causing unavoidable struggles that I wasn't quite prepared for.  I'm not going to pretend that I didn't put myself in this position; however, I hate when I feel like I can't make something happen or when my plans get thrown around.  Lately I have been re-examining those old gospel sayings and letting loose a bit more, and putting a bit more trust into my prayers.  After all, being upset will not help me out any.  With that being said, I know I am still perfectly capable of throwing  a massive temper tantrum!  This past week proved that, even if it was done fairly privately.  This weekend also showed me that prayers and hard work do pay off.


Andrew and I drove to Chicago so I could apply in-person for a same-day visa.  Unfortunately I had been misinformed, and same-day visas were not issued for such a long employment duration.  My new employer in the U.S. that deals with the IDEX Fellowship, along with my newest employers in India, had supplied me with all of the documents necessary for my application.  For anyone planning to apply for a long-term visa to India (especially for employment, etc) get prepared!  Wow!  Very long process. I was lucky enough to deal with some very nice and helpful people at the Consulate's outsourcing office.  I suggest you read everything at least twice before beginning and print multiple copies of each item in order to make sorting and organizing easier.  p.s. Wal-Mart does not allow you to print pictures in 2" x 2" dimensions, and the passport photos are not quite 2x2.  I suggest you take your head-shot a little farther back, and then trip a wallet size down to a 2x2.  Good luck!


Weird, but apparently my original employment visa application was rejected (ish)....  Luckily, I not only kept my cool in the office, but was complimented and thanked by the staff for being so positive and understanding! Ha!  It wasn't anyone's fault, it is just a frustrating process with lots of paperwork.  But the process is in place to protect the country and its citizens so I took a breath and dealt with it.  Although I thought I was screwed at this point, the office informed me they had re-submitted my paperwork under an entry visa (usually reserved for Indians..... my blonde hair and blue eyes definitely do not qualify me!) and would stay in contact with me even though I was leaving Chicago.  It was nice to see that they cared so much about their jobs and the people they were working with each day.  


Even though I kept my cool in the office, and was incredibly thankful for the help, I was distraught in the car on the way home and admittedly had a private breakdown after leaving the office.  After the initial blowup I clammed up, not speaking again until after passing Joliet.  After we just talked normally, I started to feel better.  Thank goodness Andy's so supportive!    


I was just worried since it was so late in the day, and I had no way to speak to my employers or do anything else with the application.  But the next morning I was able to confirm with my employers that this visa is acceptable with them and that the Consulate had recommended this for me (which hopefully means approval,right?!).  I didn't hear anything until yesterday (Fri) and finally received the email I had been waiting for.... my visa had been approved!  Until I am holding my passport and visa in my hands, I don't think I'll quite believe it.  However, it is so very wonderful to know that I'm allowed in the country!! 

Did I mention little Toby Chestnut came with us to the Windy City?

My struggle was one I never even thought I'd have:  I completely underestimated this process.  I still have a lot going on, and the stress hasn't completely left, but things are looking up.  And although the time in Chicago was busy and stressful, I really did have an amazing time with my two boys!  I am really going to miss Andy and our little puppy, Toby.  It is hard to believe that I leave in T-18 days.  Unbelievable!  I appreciate all of the prayers and support from my family and friends lately.  And sorry to everyone who has had to listen to me cry over this process!  Leaving so soon has left me highly emotional! I think I'll end this now; sorry for the terribly long post!  Next post I'll write about all the cool experiences from the Chicago trip, including our visit to the Little India neighborhood!  Hopefully this helped some lonesome soon-to-be traveler who is lost with this process.  Keep calm and carry on <3          

Shopping

I bought:

LUGGAGE! I learned just how tough the luggage handlers are when I traveled to Rwanda last summer.  I tore up one of my suitcases, and the one I borrowed came back held together with zebra print duct tape.  Fortunately, I found these great hot pink suitcases!  They are hard cased and the zipper is in the middle instead of the top (less chance of it breaking!).  Some people's reviews mentioned a terrible odor..... However, the slight smell associated with them was easily diffused with a few dryer sheets locked inside each compartment for a few days.  So far I am greatly impressed with these!  They are a great deal on ebags.com and I even found some bigger discount codes to lower the price even more on retailmenot.com.  Cannot wait to be the first person at the airport terminal baggage claim to notice my luggage on the belt!  Hot pink is pretty hard to miss.

LUGGAGE SCALE!  & COMPRESSION BAGS!  The last two times I've traveled I have had a little problem.... over packing.  I believe most people struggle with this, especially other female travelers out there!  With various different travel restrictions regarding weight and baggage dimensions, both compression bags and hand held scales are the perfect traveling companions!  I can easily weigh my bags before turning them over to the guards, and the bags give me much needed space while packing.  The bags don't need a vacuum; all you do is 'roll' the bag and the air escapes through a one-way valve.  It is great!  And the scale is lightweight, and measures in pounds and kilograms.  I got the compression bags in the pack of three (small, medium, large) so I can easily use my large and medium luggage case and the small one for my carry-on.  Good news is that the discount codes work for these as well!

BAG BUNGEE!  This thing is great!  I'm still working out the kinks, but it is going to be very useful.  You strap it on to the handles of the suitcase, and then strap it around to secure the carry-on.  When I was on my way to Rwanda I had to carry so much luggage that it was simply miserable.  I'll be carrying the same amount (possibly more) to India.  Before I tried to keep my carry-on situated on the large suitcase.  The problem is that it kept falling off!  Luckily, this little gadget secures it on top and makes it much easier.  And luckily for my fashion taste, I was able to score this little number in a black and white zebra print.  And once again, ebags had a great deal on this and the online coupons I found online gave an even bigger discount. 


Not sure what else I need to buy, but hopefully not too much more.... but I do have a wish list!  As I pack up my apartment I've designated one large tub to all things I think I'll take to India, and it includes the things I'll probably need during my month at home before leaving.  I've looked into an e-reader, but still debating.  I'm also looking for a pair of lightweight solar lanterns to take with me.  Unfortunately, the one I took with me to Rwanda miraculously disappeared one day.... I sure hope that little boy I saw eyeing it last summer is currently enjoying it! ha!  I've also been able to sell LOTS of stuff that I don't need online through craigslist and some of facebook's sell groups in my area.  Also, my family has decided to help me have an old-fashioned yard sale after I get home for any items I haven't sold.  CANNOT WAIT for some quality time at home with the family.  My mom has already signed me up to attend a scrapbook convention with her during the first of June.  Hopefully I'll get my full bucket list for this summer together soon!      

Life Changes

"In a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks."  - Warren Buffet

Fortunately, I've decided to stop fixing leaks and start bailing myself onto another boat.

I've been counting down my life without realizing what I was looking forward to exactly.  The school year has ended, and I am officially a college graduate.  I am moving out of my apartment in less than two weeks.  I leave for India in T-53 days.  And then there was the countdown to law school and the LSAT.  The two things that I have completely dreaded for the past few months is where I am going and how I am getting there.  I came to a major decision today.... I will not be attending law school next fall.  Instead, I will attend graduate school to earn my Master's next fall.  I will still study international human rights, but plan to do so in a different capacity than I previously expected.  Although a big change, I am extremely excited for it.  While looking over courses today I actually smiled.  I smiled!  I am truly excited for what comes after my job in India.... which now means graduate school. 

I know.... crazy, right?  My parents thought so too.  But then we were able to talk, and discuss how much better this would be for me and my future.  I still want to go to law school later in the future, but not now.  I want to work with international organizations focusing on advocacy and development.  Law school could provide a path to this, but I know that grad school will provide a clearer and better prepared future.  It was a tough decision and one that I have mulled over for some time.  I kept it pretty much to myself, never allowing the idea to cross too far into my thoughts.  I thought of how silly it would be to throw away all of the plans I had made and to ignore the years of LSAT study, but I know none of it was in vain.  My plans post-study are the same; it is just that my path to getting to that point has changed.

I'm so thankful for all of the support I've gotten from my family, and especially my friends who are in/going to/graduated from grad school who have given me so much great advice.  I'm still getting things together, but I've looked at some great schools and deciding on GRE test dates.  Luckily for me, if I decide to not take it before I leave I can take it in Hyderabad.  Fortunately, the GRE is a year-round test with a computer format and a quick turnaround time so I have plenty of flexibility.  Best news yet?  More time before I leave to spend with my family and friends, as well as prepare for my year in India.

Enough for now.... I'm headed to bed.  Early morning of baking and rummage sales in the morning!      

        

Officially a University Graduate!

It's finally done.  Goodbye senioritis... I'm not longer a SENIOR!  My time at Southeast Missouri State has been long and eventful; I have had some of the best and worst times here.  I have gained a lot of knowledge, but I am happy to be moving on to bigger things.  I will miss my friends and of course Andy & Toby, but as they all keep reminding me, the best is yet to come. 

A few of the graduating Tri Delts

The graduation ceremony was long, but I truly enjoyed it.  I loved spending the day smiling and posing for pictures with my friends and family.  I was blessed to have a lot of the people I care about at the ceremonies.  My parents, grandparents, Uncle Bill & Aunt Susie, Uncle Bobby, Andrew, and my brother & future sister-in-law. My brother, Joey, and sister-in-law, Le, had problems with their plane and ended up driving and staying up most of the night just to get to the ceremony!  Although they missed the Honors breakfast and part of the Honors Convocation, I don't care.... I practically ran over to them after convocation when I saw them waiting in the back.  They traveled in from Boston; my brother is attending Harvard Medical School so this was a big trip back to see me graduate at his undergraduate Alma Mater.  On Sunday more family came by to eat and have ice cream and cake.  It was a nice couple days, but very exhausting.  On Monday I turned in my last assignment and gave my last presentation.  After turning in my textbooks I felt an amazing weight lifted from my shoulders.

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down” -Lily Tomlin

If only slowing down were an option right now!  I am currently taking a much needed 15 minute break to write this blog post.  I have been up since 7am and at the library since 8am.  I have begun the never-ending (until June 11) intense LSAT prep and have already tired of its repetitiveness.  I will be here until 9pm this evening (barring a few more breaks for dinner and to walk the dog).  I have not been without a job since before I was 16, and this is a brand new experience for me.  However, I would go back to working long weeks if I would never have to look at LSAT prep again!  Unfortunately, I know better than to assume that is possible.  After a few days of this I'm sure I'll get used to these boring days, and eventually the library staff will come to recognize me.  Alas, the never-ending work of a future law student.....

My little station at the Library

On an even more depressing note, all of this LSAT prep is taking up time that I wish I could devote to dreaming about my upcoming trip to India!  It is also keeping me from packing up my apartment, spending time by the pool and with my dog, enjoying my last months of being in America during the summer, spending time with family, friends, and Andy, etc.  I cannot wait until next month!  As my very wise grandmother keeps reminding me, it will go by very quickly.  Because of this, I must spend my time wisely and efficiently, even when being lazy in the sun.  Since I love to plan everything I have a feeling I'll be packing that month with quite a few adventures and quickly marking off fun bucket list items.  I've been looking into a small vacation to the Smokies; but I don't have the time to find anything now because of studying.  Perhaps I'll just plan a fun vacation in the Outer Banks or on Gasparilla Island when I get back in May 2013. 

I guess I should stop daydreaming about all the things I would like to do and get back to studying.  Fun!  Just about 7 more hours and I'll be done for the day.... marvelous.  

    

 

The Year is Winding Down.....

T-8 days until Graduation!
T-38 days until the LSAT test!
T-68 days until I leave for India!

It is all getting so close... I can barely believe how fast this time has been.  Today is my last day at my on-campus job in the Dean's Office.  It is bittersweet.  I will miss everyone I work with, but I definitely look forward to a less hectic schedule.  Next week I'll be working double time at my internship, and then next Friday will be my last day.  I'll be very sad to leave my internship as well.  After all, that internship has helped me so much!  Plus, I've met some great people that I know I'll stay in touch with while I'm away.  Then that whole month of studying for the LSAT will be horrible, but hopefully will pay off.  I'm using the Kaplan Online program to help me study.  I sure hope it is working.... I think my dad hopes it is helping as well!  Then..... THE MONTH OF HEAVEN!  Thank goodness I'll have a month with zero responsibilities!  No studying and no work!  My poor family is going to get so tired of me.... Hopefully I don't annoy them too much.

I've decided to make a bucket list of sorts, but it is only going to be filled with things I can do following the LSAT test.  I do have an actual bucket list, but this will be something different!  I will touch more on my real bucket list in another post since a lot of things I would like to do this next year are on it.  For that month off though, I plan to squeeze a lot of things in.  I want to make the most out of my time with family and friends.  I'd love to take a mini weekend vacay, go to Holiday World, visit the St. Louis Zoo, have lots of bbq nights and bonfires (marshmallows!), shop at the HUGE Goodwill store that my friend Alanna told me about, go fishing/learn to fish with Andy, go muddin' with my best friend Kevin (and maybe go explore some old graveyards like we used to back in high school), tan by the pool, go camping, ride bikes, ride four-wheelers and jet-ski with my daddy, scrap and craft with my momma, spend quality time with my grandparents and my twin Sarah and my Godson Taylor, etc. etc. etc.  The list will be infinitely long.

So as I sit here planning everything that is coming next, I realize that I am kind of ignoring what is currently happening.  It is the end of the school year!  I am officially done with 5 classes (finals included), and I only have two more to go.  However, these are the toughest of my classes; I still have lots of papers, quizzes, presentations, etc.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though.  Also, this week is currently my sorority's Senior Week and I am very sad to be leaving such a great group of friends.  I actually cried while I was getting together my wills to give out to the younger girls.  Our Senior Letters night was last Monday evening; my parents, grandma, and Andy all wrote a letter for me.  It was very emotional and... I cried.  Tomorrow morning I will officially become an alumni member of Delta Delta Delta.  Sunday is our Senior Chapter meeting and it will be a very long and emotional night I'm sure.  I know it seems like I'm highly emotional with all this crying business, but it really is just the stress of these last two weeks and all the emotions that accompany graduation!  I'm also in the process of selling practically everything.... most of my apartment items have already been sold!  I'm using that money to help me with this trip to India.  All of the things I don't sell before moving will (hopefully) be sold at a yard sale sometime this summer.

And finally.... speaking of money.... Anyone want to help with that?  Just kidding, but seriously....

I'm very lucky that this Fellowship is not only very prestigious and amazing, but it also offers a small stipend.  The problem?  That stipend won't cover everything.  It will cover most all day-to-day expenses, as well as room and board; but international flights, vaccination costs, visa costs, baggage fees, 'extra' travel while in India, any extra projects for the kids I'll be working with.... none of that is included in the stipend.  So like I said, highly blessed, but also in need.  Luckily I've done well selling a lot of the items I won't need while I'm away (most of which I got at great prices to begin with so I didn't lose much, if any, in the resale!).  That money has been put aside for the trip.  Also, I won't be coming home for Christmas; instead I'll be flying home for my brother's wedding.  My parents have offered to help me with some of the expenses related to that excursion which is great.  I'll buy my plane ticket(s) this week so I am sad to say that I'll be dipping into my savings (highly depressing).  Fortunately for me, I have been working numerous jobs over the years and have been an avid saver! Yay!  But I'm still looking into funding opportunities, as well as accepting the help of friends who are interested in helping.  More on funding later though...      

Ok, I guess I should start back on work and studying.  I have successfully procrastinated enough.  Wish me luck!
   

India & Senioritis

This post is dedicated to lots of info on India, and how I have an extreme case of senioritis. 

I thought you only get this senioritis stuff in high school?!  Ugh.  Good news?  The countdown is getting smaller until graduation! Bad news?  I'm currently sick with the flu and missing classes.  I guess that means I'll have even more work since I'll be playing catch-up. 

Hyderabad at Night

Moving on to India and my future home city: Hyderabad.  First of all, Hyderabad is also known as the City of Pearls.  As a Tri Delt, this must be fate.  The pearl is the jewel of Tri Delta.  It is the one jewel that grows, developing from a tiny grain of sand into a thing of great value and beauty.  Hyderabad was once a global center for the pearl and diamond trade, and it is currently deemed the "Best Heritage City of India."  Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, a political hotspot in India.  The Telangana movement is a widespread political demand of creating a new state from the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, separate from India as a whole.  Hyderabad is still the center of some strikes and minor agitations.  The city is highly diverse with a variety of beliefs and cultures making up the citizenry.  The city is comprised mostly by Hindus, but over 40% of the city is Muslim.  The city also contains extremely small groups of Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, etc.  The majority of citizens speak Telugu or Urdu, but a variety of languages are spoken including English.  Hyderabad is an up-and-coming tech city, but its past beauty is evident in the old city areas.  Hyderabad is located in an area where the northern and southern portions of India meet.  Climate in this portion of India is warm year-round, but hits its peak temperatures in March, April, and May.  Monsoon season will be interesting while I am there; it will have already started once I arrive.  Also?  Tollywood (2nd largest film industry in India after Bollywood) is present in Hyderabad!  My goal is to maybe land a part as an extra for one of these films.... I'll keep you updated on how that works out!                  

Click here to see a video the IDEX crew found about India.  It isn't specifically Hyderabad, but it's got a lot of interesting shots of India.  I hope there aren't snakes like the ones in the video.... I know there are, but I'm refusing to believe it at this point.  I hate snakes...   

It's Official! I'm Going to India!

The countdown has begun.

T-25 Days until Graduation from Southeast Missouri State U.
T-55 Days until I take the dreaded LSAT.
T-85 Days until I leave for Hyderabad, India.

It's Official: I'm going to India for ten months!  I'm the first to admit that I never dreamed this is the path that my life would take.  What happened to the relatively 'safe' 9-5 lawyer gig I had previously planned to pursue?  No idea.  Seriously though, my dream of studying law is still present, it's just been semi-put on hold for a year.  I planned to take a gap year after graduation and before law school, but I had no idea I would be spending my year like this!  However, I like this path that my life has taken, and I doubt I would have been happy sitting behind a desk anytime in the near future.

Here's the deal: I love the idea of being a lawyer.  Through my college internship I've had the opportunity to work for an amazing group of lawyers who truly exemplify all of the 'great' things about being an attorney.  But with this job I also see frustrations;  I've realized that the majority of all cases are plead out and many are sentenced below the recommended guidelines.  It shocked me.  It shouldn't have, because I've learned these things in my classes.  I also understand that 'Law & Order' isn't a correct interpretation of our justice system.  But, I guess I just expected a little more .... justice.  I think I could eventually settle into this atmosphere, but not yet.  After all, these professionals I work with do an amazing amount of work and truly serve the public.  I just do not yet have the patience or perseverance that I see in my bosses.  I feel like I would too quickly lose faith in both humanity and our justice system.  My altruistic 'save the world' attitude keeps pushing me to work in areas where I know I can make a difference.  

So.... India, huh?  Yeah everyone, India.  Last summer I was lucky enough to embark on a month-long experience to Rwanda, Africa, and when I announced this news I got the 'uh...what?' look too.  Seriously.  If you aren't my mom, dad, Andy, or grandparents then you should probably relax a bit.  I'll be fine!  Rwanda stole my heart, and it solidified my devotion to work abroad in areas of sustainable development, which works with vulnerable groups (for example: women and children).  If you drag your attention to the map on the right..... well that's India!  That darker green section near the southern portion is Andrha Pradesh, and Hyderabad is located in this area.  The city is fairly conservative and comprised of a lot of varying cultural and political ideas and influences.  Now what in the world will I be doing in India for ten months?  Well, I'll answer that in much greater detail in my next post.  No worries.  But for now, let me quickly sum it up: 

I am accepting an IDEX Fellowship in the field of Social Enterprise.  I applied thinking it was a long-shot and that I didn't stand a chance.  Goodness I love it when I'm wrong!  Apparently out of 1,200 applicants I made the cut.  I'll be joining about 60 other recent graduates in Hyderabad, India.  Each of us will be working with an affordable private school located in a very poor area of the city, catering solely to the poorest of children in the slums.  NO, I will not be teaching English.  That is not sustainable.  The whole point of the fellowship is to work with these schools and their administrator's to 1. identify what needs improvement 2. create a plan with sustainable features and 3. then implement said plan.  The goal is to create solutions that can be continued by the citizens once foreigners like myself have left the country.  We are working with schools and education because we all know that education means societal improvement aka the path to eradication of poverty!  

That's it in a nutshell.  Yeah, I know there are tons of questions left unanswered, but like I said I'll cover a lot of that in my next post.  I think the reason people give me 'the look' is because they have questions/they are worried about me.  Again, no worries!  I'll be just fine.  Promise!  I think a lot of other people wonder about the time frame.  They're right, ten months is a pretty long time.  In the grad scheme of things, though, it isn't too bad.  Without the love and support of my family and friends it would be a lot harder.  Don't get me wrong, they hate that I'm going.  But.... they understand.  Usually.

Mom 1. Guilting me to come home more 2. Trying to remain 'neutral' 3. Only cries when holidays are mentioned (duh I can't come home for Thanksgiving mom) 4. Wants to console herself by 'borrowing' all of the clothes I can't take with me and using all of my craft stuff

Dad 1. Thinks his baby girl cannot take care of herself aka thinks I'm still 7 years old 2. Constantly asks if planning this trip is interfering with my LSAT study 3. Curious if any law schools will accept me.... I mean I hope so?! 4. Listens but likes to change the subject a lot so he doesn't have to think about it and be super sad that I'm leaving

Grandparents 1. In denial.... but much more aware than last summer when I announced my Rwanda trip 2. Gram repeats everything dad says about the LSAT.  He has her trained! haha       

So as you can see, the countdown has begun.  Weird that everything is like 30 days apart?  Oh well, easier for me to keep up with my countdown that way!  Cannot wait to graduate since that comes first.  BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in the areas of Political Science, Speech Communication, & Criminal Justice.  I currently have a terrible dose of senioritis.  The LSAT follows, and it is going to be horrible.  I've been studying for so long that if I don't do well then there must be something wrong with the test.  After graduation I have a full month of no work and no school; purely LSAT study time.  Greeeeeat.  Anyone who has ever had a logic class or opened a prep book can relate to my pain here.  Both of my jobs are tied to being a student so I lose them as of May 12 which is fine since studying for the LSAT is more important at that point.  After the LSAT, I have a full month of nothing to do but enjoy my time with family and friends (& pack).  That month will seriously be Heaven.         

Click here to see an interesting video the IDEX crew found about my future 'home' city: Hyderabad.  The guy rapping talks a lot about biryani.... a local food that is pretty famous.  Can't wait to try it!  It was shot in Hyderabad so you'll get some great shots of the city.  Sorry for how cheesy it is!