Hi guys, today the day started with a trip to the hospital. No worries, though, I’m totally fine. We just needed some official clearance to enter the national park where our epic trek begins on Monday. We swung by this little community hospital, got our blood pressure checked, and made sure we were all set for the hike. And get this – turns out, we need our blood group for the clearance and none of us knew our blood types! So, needles were out, and we had to get our blood checked too. Guess what? I’m O positive! Finally positive at something, am I right? After the health check, we drove back to Hanifl for some WAFA training. Today’s agenda? Carrying scenarios! Being one of the lighter members of the group, I got to experience being lifted across the field multiple times. Not to quote Jack from the Titanic but I felt like the Queen of the world as I was being lifted. After the drills, it was time for the WAFA exam – and guess who’s officially certified? That’s right, yours truly!

After a hearty dinner, we hit up Chakkar for snacks, and let’s just say we may have gone a tad overboard with the Indian snacks – but hey, they’re just so darn good! Fun fact: Indian snacks are a league above American snacks, hands down.

Now with just a day left until the big trek, I’ll admit, I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. But hey, they say the best views come after the hardest climbs, right? So bring it on, nature, I’m ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Have you confronted different cultural and ethical norms while abroad? How are you managing working with these differences?

While abroad, I’ve found that my Nepali background has somewhat mitigated encountering stark differences in cultural and ethical norms. The familiarity between Nepali and some other cultures has made the adjustment process smoother. However, there are still nuances and variations that I’ve encountered, requiring a level of adaptability and openness to different perspectives. I manage these differences by approaching them with curiosity and respect, actively engaging with locals to understand their customs, and remaining mindful of the cultural context in all interactions. Additionally, I’ve fostered meaningful connections with individuals such as the guy who serves us food, the guards, and the drivers. I make an effort to interact with them whenever possible, using whatever Hindi I know to converse with them. These interactions have not only enriched my cultural experience but also helped me forge friendships and gain insights into their perspectives, further facilitating my integration into the local community.

Can leaders ever follow other people—or do they always need to lead? Why or why not?

I believe that leadership doesn’t always necessitate being at the forefront; sometimes, it involves following others’ lead. This concept, often referred to as “leading from the back,” recognizes that effective leadership isn’t solely about being in charge but also about empowering and supporting others. Leaders can benefit from stepping back, allowing team members to take the lead based on their expertise or insights. By fostering a collaborative environment and acknowledging the strengths of others, leaders can navigate complex challenges more effectively, ultimately driving collective success.

What are you looking forward to on the upcoming trek? What are your anxieties/concerns and how will you predict addressing these?

Looking forward to an upcoming trek, I’m filled with anticipation for the beauty of nature that awaits. The prospect of witnessing breathtaking vistas and forging unforgettable memories fuels my excitement. However, alongside this anticipation, I harbor concerns about my performance on the hike. As someone relatively inexperienced in long-distance trekking, the thought of undertaking such a challenging journey triggers a sense of apprehension. To address these anxieties, I’m focusing on thorough preparation, both physically and mentally. Engaging in regular exercise-walking to the Chakkar back and forth and seeking advice from experienced trekkers are steps I’m taking to build confidence. Additionally, I think maintaining a positive mindset and embracing each challenge as an opportunity for growth will guide me through the uncertainties that I will encounter along the way.