Meaningful Learnings

One of the most heartwarming discoveries was how welcoming and loving Peruvian people are. Whether it was at the cultural fair welcome party, or simply walking down the street, the warmth and friendliness I encountered made me feel right at home. This openness made it easy to connect with people and learn about their way of life, and reminded me a lot of the culture of my own country. In fact, I was struck by how much Peru reminded me of India. The bustling markets, the rich tapestry of cultures, and even the landscapes had a familiar feel. It was a comforting reminder that despite being miles away from home, some things remain universally similar. This connection truly helped ease the initial homesickness I felt. I recall feeling nervous about making friends in a new environment before the trip. However, by keeping an open mind and heart, I found that every single person on the program was incredibly lovely. We bonded over shared experiences and new adventures, forming wonderful friendships and creating unforgettable memories. This experience reinforced that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding relationships. The best way to do so is by understanding each other's culture and having empathy for different ways of life. Through various interactions and shared stories, I learned that empathy bridges gaps and fosters deeper connections. This cultural exchange was not just about learning facts but about feeling and experiencing the essence of another way of life. As we finally start working with our organizations in Peru, I am sure these learnings will help me grow and guide me towards being a better team-worker and leader.

Challenges Faced

One of the biggest challenges I am currently facing is the language barrier. Despite my efforts to learn Spanish using Duolingo for the past 160+ days, I am still struggling with speaking the language fluently. I am afraid this will affect my ability to communicate my ideas with the members of Killa Natural Ancestral, my organization. There have been moments of helplessness when I couldn’t express myself clearly or understand what was being said while conversing with the locals in Lima. However, these challenges have been pushing me to be more resourceful and patient, finding alternative ways to communicate and connect with people, while also striving to learn the language to the best of my ability. By utilizing technology like Google Translate, setting an hour apart each day to practice reading, writing, and speaking Spanish, and dancing to Spanish music, I am trying to make progress and overcome this challenge!