We are about 30% through the trip now and I feel like I’m adjusting well to my new location. I think the study abroad team itself is also doing very well. We’ve had several reflection sessions and feedback opportunities, and I think the team is communicating very well with each other and forming a positive team dynamic. As for my transition to India, my sleep schedule is fully adjusted, my body is becoming accustomed to the food, and I’ve met a bunch of really cool locals. I’ve met locals at the Woodstock school, up on the figure 8 walking path, 15 minutes from where we’re staying, in shops, and even in the hospital today while getting permits for entering the national parks. I’ve been waking up with the Sun a little before 6:00 a.m. everyday and even have gotten into the habit of hitting the gym most mornings with Vishal, one of the employees at Hanifl center.

However, it did take some getting used to in order to adjust to this new environment. Different cultural and ethical norms that I’m used to have made it an interesting and enriching experience to get to know this place and its people. One of the most apparent differences I’ve experienced is the difference in language. Understandably, the locals are much more comfortable communicating in Hindi or a local dialect than English. That means I will often be in an area or in conversation with a group of people who all of the sudden start talking in a language I do not understand. At first, it felt stressful to not know what was going on. But now, a little over a week in, I’m becoming much more used to it. I clearly do not know what they’re saying, so if there is something important they need to tell me, I can typically trust that they will look at me specifically and try to communicate that message.

It has also been interesting trying to develop my leadership style while in India. One concept that’s come up is the question of if leaders can follow other people. I’d argue that the answer to this question is obviously yes. If a leader leads their whole life, then they will likely miss out on important teachings that can be gained by following others. No one is good at everything, so even the best leaders should look for guidance from others as part of their decision making. This can also be seen in the delegation of tasks where an effective leader may delegate a leadership role to one of their followers who can then influence the path of the whole team, including the leader. A very basic example I can point to for leaders following would be a multi-tiered organization where you may have managers leading teams. Someone above the manager can instruct the manager on how they should proceed and the manager needs to follow those guidelines. In this instance, it is clear that the manager is both a leader and a follower.

Next up is preparing for the trek! Tomorrow we pack our bags with personal gear, group gear, as well as all the food we’ll need for 10 days in the back country. Then we’ll also go over how to pitch our tents and special knots to use. When doing so. Then we’ll go over the actual route will be taking through the Himalaya. I’m really looking forward to seeing the incredible natural beauty of the Himalayas and experiencing something I will likely never do again! But I also have a few worries. On the shakedown hike, my toes started hurting from all the downhill we were doing. Outside of that, the shakedown went very well, so I’m feeling pretty good overall.

This is the last you’ll hear for me until after the trek! Wish us luck!