A very humbling experience | Carla's Student Story

Carla N. was one of the students that went on a Global Intensive Experience to India with the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership in January. Here’s what she had to say about the experience:

What was the most memorable part of the experience?

The most memorable part of the experience is the service work we did at Barefoot College. We were able to develop curriculum with an extremely collaborative and hands-on approach to education among the rural communities we were working with. Immersing myself in the community I was serving was a very humbling experience.

What advice would you give to students going on future Global Intensive Experiences?

I advise prospective GIE students to take advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves during your short time abroad. While we did not have a scheduled time with the group to visit the clinic, I visited the sanitary pad department of the clinic during my free time and was able to learn how to make menstrual products by hand alongside the rural women working in the department. Seizing opportunities you're interested in throughout the GIE is the way to make the most of the experience.

What was your role in the service project?

As part of the service project, I helped create a module for digital literacy curriculum that would be used in the night schools in Tilonia, Rajasthan. We collaborated directly with the education department to develop an impactful curriculum that would meaningfully reach students.

What did you learn about the politics in India?

I learned greatly about the politics in India - particularly how it compared and contrasted to American politics. We were able to sit down with members of Parliament and ask them for their opinions on current events and their plans for the future of India. We learned a lot of context and perspective on policies and issues that are facing India today, like the Citizenship Amendment Act.

How did this experience change/influence your worldview?

This experience changed my worldview and challenged my mindset by exposing me to a completely new culture and community. I was able to hear diverse perspectives and opinions on politics, service, and leadership.

How did this experience change/influence your worldview?

I plan to remain involved with the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership through other professional and academic opportunities. I also hope to refer [the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership] to students who I believe would benefit greatly from the School.

The School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership offers Global Intensive Experiences during academic breaks. These are opportunities to travel and apply themes learned in classes to real service and leadership projects abroad. Prior to traveling, student participants will join classmates and faculty in the study and discussion of culture, politics, and relevant contemporary issues in the countries they will visit. During their travels, GIE participants will research, explore, work, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives in order to gain a deeper understanding of the important issues that they will need to consider in order to be effective, thoughtful, globally-conscious leaders.