I\u2019ve been in Phoenix for a couple days now since finals ended, and I can\u2019t believe I thought these 6 days would be lax\u2026 It\u2019s been a whirlwind planning two separate programs abroad since I\u2019ll be studying for 3 weeks in Japan before flying straight to India! I\u2019ve had an exhaustive to-do-list, so I don\u2019t feel like I\u2019ve had time to process that I\u2019ll be exploring 2 incredible countries within the next 4 months. I know I\u2019m thrilled deep down, but I\u2019ve been so focused on preparing all my travel documents, shopping, running around minute clinics, and more that I haven\u2019t had much time to breathe. Not sure if I\u2019ll ever really feel \u201cready\u201d to go, but I\u2019ve always felt this way before going abroad.<\/p>\n
With some networking advice, I was able to find an internship at Parodevi Pictures in Mumbai, India. Here, I will produce feminist videos and podcasts, and write articles about healthy attitudes toward bodies, sexuality, love, and relationships. The creator, Paromita Vohra, has led symposiums at the UMich on her films that dissect gender inequalities and perceptions in India. In India, conversations regarding love, sexuality, and femininity are often met with shyness and shame. So, Parodevi creates uplifting and entertaining online resources for women\u2019s empowerment. They face the patriarchy through such a head-on, public manner, and are relentless, courageous catalysts for social change. Their ideologies are considered rebellious and therefore may attract opposition against their wishes. This is exactly why this area could use more passionate voices to fight for the feminist cause.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m still figuring out my housing situation, but that\u2019s okay! I was able to talk to Sanchet on the phone (a student from Mumbai who completed a fellowship at U of M), because he\u2019s been advising me through the housing process and suggested I stay with his family friends. He\u2019s going to pass along the details on rent coverage, the contract, and room set-up. But, as of now, I know it\u2019s a service apartment, and I may be living with another Indian-American female who is currently studying filmmaking in Mumbai! The family that would be hosting us lives in the apartment one floor above in this complex. Sanchet told me he lives in this area too (Andheri West), and that he really enjoys it. I\u2019ve heard it\u2019s a lot like Los Angeles, but I definitely still don\u2019t know what to expect.<\/p>\n
I definitely feel overwhelmed and rushed right now, but I know this summer will be more than worth the loss of down-time in winter semester. I\u2019m so grateful for this opportunity through SISA, and the help I\u2019ve received through the advising process (shout-out to Janelle, Morgan, and Ariana!). These ladies have not just been logistically helpful, but emotionally encouraging.<\/p>\n
Well, I\u2019m off to Japan the day after tomorrow! It\u2019s beyond my wildest dream what\u2019s truly in store for this summer, but I can\u2019t wait to find out what it\u2019s like to explore how working in the creative entertainment industry can help to promote positive ideologies in society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I\u2019ve been in Phoenix for a couple days now since finals ended, and I can\u2019t believe I thought these 6 days would be lax\u2026 It\u2019s been a whirlwind planning two separate programs abroad since I\u2019ll be studying for 3 weeks in Japan before flying straight to India! I\u2019ve had an exhaustive to-do-list, so I don\u2019t feel like I\u2019ve had time to process that I\u2019ll be exploring 2 incredible countries within the next 4 months. I know I\u2019m thrilled deep down,…<\/p>\n