During my travels in India, one of the most captivating cultural experiences was visiting a Sikh temple that served not only as a spiritual haven but also as a sanctuary for those in need. This remarkable place embodied the essence of Sikhism, with its stunning white buildings adorned with gold domes. However, it was the temple’s inner radiance, fueled by the selfless acts of volunteers and the spirit of community, that left an indelible mark on me. 

Approaching the Sikh temple, I was immediately struck by its architectural grandeur. The white buildings gleamed brilliantly against the backdrop of the sky, while the golden domes added a touch of opulence. Every intricate detail seemed to be designed with a purpose. The temple’s external beauty was a testament to the reverence and devotion held within. Beyond its visual magnificence, the Sikh temple served a greater purpose. The temple welcomed people from all walks of life, providing them with shelter and nourishment. It was heartening to witness the temple’s commitment to serving free meals, called langar, to anyone who entered its doors. The selflessness of the volunteers who tirelessly prepared food and served it with kindness, humility, and equality was truly inspiring. The langar exemplified the Sikh principle of seva, or selfless service and showcased the power of communal support in uplifting those facing hardships. The temple resonated with a profound sense of unity and inclusivity, transcending the boundaries of caste, creed, or social status. People from diverse backgrounds gathered, uniting by a common purpose to seek solace, find spiritual connection, or simply partake in the shared experience of humanity. Visiting this temple and observing the faith and goodwill of its visitors was truly transformative. 

Additionally, we were surprised with a visit to a cafe called Sheroes, which was run by acid attack survivors, and was an immensely inspirational cultural experience that deeply resonated with my passion for equality. Witnessing the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of these incredible women was a profound reminder of the injustices faced by marginalized groups and the urgent need for gender equality. Sheroes served as a symbol of empowerment, providing a safe space for survivors to heal, rebuild their lives, and challenge societal norms. Their remarkable stories and determination to reclaim their identities ignited a fire within me, fueling my commitment to advocating for equality and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced. The visit to Sheroes reinforced the importance of fostering a society that celebrates diversity, supports survivors, and works tirelessly toward a future where people are created with dignity and respect. 

I think that my passion towards these specific cultural experiences, combined with my frustrations and difficulty I experienced on the trek when encountering situations where voices were not heard speaks volumes about my favorable leadership qualities. I believe I value open dialogue, collaboration, and the contributions of all team members over a lot of other more practical leadership qualities. I am often dissatisfied with the lack of representation or inclusion in a group, specifically on this trek, and I have realized that committing to an equitable team is something that defines me as a leader. When discussing potential areas of improvement, the aspects of shared leadership and feminist leadership were brought up within our group more extensively than any other leadership models. This may be something that we lacked the most, but I also think these models serve as a foundation to succeed in nearly every other leadership model. Without the compassion and empathy for your other teammates, it is impossible to create a space where strengths or other models can thrive in any setting, let alone an outdoor setting.