Nothing compares to being thrown into unfamiliar terrain. It is exhilarating and terrifying and releasing all at once. You become so much more than who you were before, and in a very short period of time.
Read MoreThese last two weeks, I have been more in touch with myself than I ever have been in my entire life. I was engaged in everything around me. When I attempted to explain this, my only answer was that I opened myself up to be present in every moment, to let people I had never known change me, and allow myself to export what beliefs I previously held to be true.
Read MoreSome of the most memorable experiences during the trip for me was when we visited different temples or nunneries. We were able to be in the presence of different prayers, a memento that couldn’t be photographed by one that I’ll remember all the same.
Read MoreOn our hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, I took a moment to stop and think about all I have experienced and learned on this trip. With a great view of the monastery and the wind blowing gently, the view was unbelievable. It was a moment of reflection of my life. I thought about my healthy family at home, my friends and opportunities at school, and how I was able to spend two weeks in Bhutan.
Read MoreThe gentle way that Bhutanese people hand things to one another, with their palms open and a slight bow, even if it is just a microphone or pen, has stuck with me.
Read MoreIn Bhutan, I went about and learned about the things I was truly passionate about (culture, history, hiking, reading), and I felt that some part of me that had fallen apart was restored.
Read MoreOn July 10th, 2018, a day before I met with the rest of the group in New Delhi, we were given a journal prompt. “What is happiness? What does “happiness” mean to you? What does it look like, sound like, feel like?”
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He told us:
“The world is not made of atoms -
But stories”
And if I’m being honest,
I felt
Affronted
What if, in the U.S., students were graded by their actions instead of being validated by a number or letter at the top of some paper or test?
Read MoreI am half way across the world, in an entirely different culture and learning community, and yet I see that teenagers are the same around the world. We love to be silly, to laugh and dance and bond over our love for Frosted Flakes.
Read More13,000 feet. The highest I have ever been in my life.
Read MoreAt the mention of a painting, all eyes turned to the canvas board leaning against the wall, revealed to our eyes by the twist of Somna’s wrist.
Read MoreI liked the smell of the wheat. Roasted wheat, to be exact.
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In a way, my lethargic schedule is a good thing to leave behind, and I am excited for more adventurous days.
Read MoreI am the type of person who often feels that an experience is not real unless there is some tangible recording of its occurrence.
Read MoreI want to be able to slow down, making the most of my limited time here.
Read MoreIn all the excitement and anticipation of going, it had never entered my mind what I was leaving behind.
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