Although I feel like I planned this trip intensely, it never really felt like I was actually going to go to India. Now, as I sit in the airport after coming to the airport 4 hours before my flight (I was nervous I was going to miss it), its beginning to feel very real! I found the actual planning process of communicating with the NGO in Bengaluru, booking flights and housing accommodation, and fulfilling all of the travel requirements a great learning experience. I would say I generally struggle with planning and organizing. Therefore, it was a difficult challenge to communicate with my NGO, define my role, and determine what I can do to support their work and mission. It was also a challenge to fill out the travel and government documents and make sure I had everything I needed before I left! So far things appear to be going smoothly!

Today is actually my 21st birthday as well so it feels like a big day. I was luckily able to spend a lot of time with my family and friends before leaving so I feel very fulfilled and ready to take on the challenges that come with this adventure. This will be my first time staying away from Ann Arbor for an extended period of time since I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and now of course attend school there. Thus, this trip feels like a major step into adulthood. Luckily, I have had tons of support from the SiSA community and from my family!

What I am most excited about is working with my NGO, the Selco Foundation, which is involved in democratized and decentralized sustainable energy infrastructure. I am particularly excited because I think it will challenge many notions I have around how to produce and distribute energy efficiently. Previously, I would argue that the optimal and efficient way to distribute energy would be from centralized and highly concentrated energy facilities, like nuclear, which can also distribute energy over large geographic ranges. However, after engaging with my NGO, I have come to learn there are significant social and economic problems with this approach and that alternate production structures can facilitate better outcomes. Broadly, I am excited to challenge previous ideas and to learn new things. I will just have to remind myself to stay curious and open minded.

(This is unfortunately the only photo my Mom took of me at the airport)

View from the sky coming into Paris. (I highly recommend NOT traveling through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. In order to make my connection I had to take a bus and train and go through another round of security which was so stressful)

Picture of me praying as we were landing because the turbulence from the winds was intense.

The airport in Bengaluru was stunning. It was made from bamboo and other renewable materials. It even won a UNESCO award.