In Alternative Spring Break, we often discuss the importance of an \u201celevator pitch\u201d. That is, if you were in the elevator with someone and they asked about the program, you need a quick spiel that you can pitch them. I have also been told that after big experiences you can prepare a 1 minute, 3 minute or 5 minute brief, in order to be prepared for any given situation. I have never been very good at this because to me, the impacts of my experience run together and I end up babbling. I learn about myself through my interactions with the people that I have built relationship with and it is often these relationships that help me find my passions for the future.<\/p>\n
Before I left for India I understood that I would come back with some newfound appreciation for my education. However, I did not expect to come back feeling as confused as I do. It is honestly difficult for me to sum up the way that this experience has affected me personally and academically and I am having trouble putting it into words. I am passionate about the education system and through my internship with Pratham I have been given a hands on opportunity to see how another education system is run. There is no system that runs perfectly, and India\u2019s education system is no exception.<\/p>\n
Aside from my experience at Pratham, I have learned that students must choose what educational path they want to take when they are in the 11th<\/sup>\u00a0grade. I have seen how difficult this can be for students later on in their educational career because their interests change as they mature. As this relates to me personally, I had never appreciated the freewill that I have in my education. Here I am, a rising senior and I still have room to decide what I \u201cwant to be when I am older\u201d. I chose my major and minor because I enjoyed the course load. I also knew that they are broad and that I would be able to tailor them to the sector of jobs that I am interested in. I know that my internships, student organizations and my experiences tell almost more about me than what I my studies can. However, I also know that this is a privilege.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I grew up in a financially sound family, which has made a large impact on how I see my own life after school. As a young girl in a small, conservative, primarily white town,\u00a0I was lead\u00a0to believe that as long as I worked hard I would be able to succeed and though this is true for a subset of our country, it is not fair for many to assume.<\/p>\n While I was in India I spoke with a lot of students who felt discouraged with their current situations. For many, the reason that they had to drop out was beyond their control or that of their family\u2019s; it was, instead, the result of the system that was in place. I literally saw passion simmer from the women\u2019s eyes, as they spoke about requirements they did not have for a job they wanted or a degree that would not be able to obtain because of money.<\/p>\n I am sure this sounds clich\u00e9, but I want to use my experiences to motivate individuals, encouraging them to follow any dream, no matter how large or far-reaching. I want to use this experience and continue to encourage people to do what they love. However, I have seen that this can only go so far, without taking action. I admire Pratham for working with the government when it notices something that could be improved, while at the same time, giving one-on-one attention to students. Seeing how this runs has shown me that even though it may take a while for change to happen you can still make a difference in the present.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In Alternative Spring Break, we often discuss the importance of an \u201celevator pitch\u201d. That is, if you were in the elevator with someone and they asked about the program, you need a quick spiel that you can pitch them. I have also been told that after big experiences you can prepare a 1 minute, 3 minute or 5 minute brief, in order to be prepared for any given situation. I have never been very good at this because to me,…<\/p>\n