My number one fear about this trip was the idea of traveling to India with strangers. In reality, these people are not strangers to me as we all go to the same school, and at Andover, you feel like you know everyone. But I am an introvert at heart and have always had social anxiety, so talking to anyone I haven’t known the majority of my life can be stressful. I worried I would never feel settled on this trip. 2 weeks later, I couldn’t imagine traveling across the world with anyone else.
Read MoreI sit on the cold floor, and inspect the circle of new faces around me. I reread their colorful name tags once again, repeating the pronunciation in my head. Their eyes look back at me, and we share a small smile, but we retreat back to blank expressions. I look back at the blackboard behind me, and look at the white writing, revealing our task at hand.
Read More“It’s Niswarth tradition that after Seva Cafe, we play these two songs” Mr. Mundra informs our group. I’m standing on the small wooden stage, looking past the table and chairs of the cafe, and at the volunteers we had met just hours before, laughing and joking with us.
Read MoreWhile packing for my three week long trip to India, I quickly realized there was so little I could fit in my suitcase. Thus, I was forced to leave so much behind. At first, I worried this was a negative. I can’t bring my family and friends with me, which make me feel so comfortable and loved, no matter where I am in the world. With them by my side, I feel at home. By leaving them behind, I feel out of place.
Read MoreTo me, friendship is embodied by my 4 year old half sister, Mila. Although she is so little, she treats everyone as if they are her best friend. When you walk into my father’s house, the first thing you hear is squealing and little footsteps coming around the corner. Every person that walks into the house is met with her smiling face running towards you, with her arms wide open. Without fail, she greets you with a hug and kiss, no matter who you are. It doesn’t matter if you have met once, or millions of times, she acts the same.
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