So, today is my day off. I can't even tell you guys how grateful I am to have this day off! I am so exhausted, and not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I have done so many things and learned so much this week that it kind of sucked the life out of me! But, I am so grateful for all that I have gotten to do.
This week was a lot like a typical week. I worked in a few different slums, taught a lot of English, learned a lot of Hindi, and so on. However, there were a few extra events that stretched me a little thin! This past Friday and Saturday we had a Mental Health Awareness training. Not because we need it, but because the women and men of India do. 1 in 5 women in India are depressed, and over 100,000 people commit suicide per year. Unfortunately, mental health has such a big stigma attached to it here that people really have no idea how to deal with these issues. So we learned ways to train women and men to identify issues such as grief, anxiety, and depression. It was an eye-opening experience. I don't know what my role in this internship will be as far as using this material goes, but I hope to present it at least once before I leave.
Other than that training, I got toted around a lot. On Saturday I decided to go visit the Lotus temple. Little did I know the adventure that would soon occur. After I left the temple, I ended up with a crazy auto driver. He decided to stop by a few markets on the way home. They were both really nice markets, and I ended up buying some great gifts! I got some hand-woven tapestries, hand-painted elephant figurines, and nice scarves. However, there was literally a moment where I was afraid I was about to get sold into slavery. I think it is so sad that as a woman here I legitimately have to worry about that. It is sometimes hard to enjoy life here, because as a woman you have to be so aware of your surroundings. So, although that experience was enjoyable, I was emotionally exhausted afterwards.
As far as class goes, I am doing well. I think I am really far ahead on points, so I am hoping to finish the class early so I can focus more on work here. I also need to write my papers for my internship class, but that will get done some day. As far as today goes, I am going to sit in this Starbucks, drink my chai latte, and read a good book. I'm much to tired to do anything else!
This week was a lot like a typical week. I worked in a few different slums, taught a lot of English, learned a lot of Hindi, and so on. However, there were a few extra events that stretched me a little thin! This past Friday and Saturday we had a Mental Health Awareness training. Not because we need it, but because the women and men of India do. 1 in 5 women in India are depressed, and over 100,000 people commit suicide per year. Unfortunately, mental health has such a big stigma attached to it here that people really have no idea how to deal with these issues. So we learned ways to train women and men to identify issues such as grief, anxiety, and depression. It was an eye-opening experience. I don't know what my role in this internship will be as far as using this material goes, but I hope to present it at least once before I leave.
Other than that training, I got toted around a lot. On Saturday I decided to go visit the Lotus temple. Little did I know the adventure that would soon occur. After I left the temple, I ended up with a crazy auto driver. He decided to stop by a few markets on the way home. They were both really nice markets, and I ended up buying some great gifts! I got some hand-woven tapestries, hand-painted elephant figurines, and nice scarves. However, there was literally a moment where I was afraid I was about to get sold into slavery. I think it is so sad that as a woman here I legitimately have to worry about that. It is sometimes hard to enjoy life here, because as a woman you have to be so aware of your surroundings. So, although that experience was enjoyable, I was emotionally exhausted afterwards.
As far as class goes, I am doing well. I think I am really far ahead on points, so I am hoping to finish the class early so I can focus more on work here. I also need to write my papers for my internship class, but that will get done some day. As far as today goes, I am going to sit in this Starbucks, drink my chai latte, and read a good book. I'm much to tired to do anything else!
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| This is an infographic that I found on pinterest that I thought was really interesting. I think it's something for all of us to think about. |
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