Hey guys, I hope all is well. Although the original prompt for today’s blog is already set, I am going too also take a detour as I feel it is really necessary too for my reflection and self-growth. Today I am still writing to you from Delhi India. Last night an hour and a half before we were supposed to depart, our flight to Newark got cancelled. We were all enjoying one last meal together and then chaos erupted. Many of us, including myself went into panic. We franticly were trying to get hold of the airline and our families. To be transparent, the first 20 minutes I was a mess. I had a very hard time getting ahold of my family and was very worried financially and logistically. I am very grateful to the amazing team members I was surrounded by, as some individuals kept their cool a lot better than myself.

After about two hours, us, G, and the other 300 passengers of our flight fought and discussed what was happening, we finally were booked on a different airline leaving at 2:05am. But unfortunately, there were only 30 seats left and our team did not work quick enough to reenter the airport, customs, and TSA. This was frustrating as we felt the unfortunate division and blatant disregard for what is best for the entire group. Once again, things got heated and things were said that were intense. I felt particularly upset about this as I communicated with G and the group making sure everyone knew the plan — Get our bags, SPRINT outside up the stairs, find G, and enter the airport again meeting at the front desk of our airline. Members failed to listen this plan and it resulted in a major setback. By this time, we all felt defeated. It was 2:30am, we were exhausted, and did not know what else to do. To be honest, I am not sure what we would have done without G being there. He not only aided us with the language barrier and logistics, but he added calmness and assurance to all of us. By 3am, three members of our team booked a flight out, two had different airlines and were safely on their flights, and four of us were left.

This is when I reminded myself of why I decided to do this program. Despite being frustrated, tired, hungry, and defeated, we needed to get out of here. I began talking to the United staff and then began making calls. I eventually found two options to get us home. One of them was already in discussion, and we finalized it around 4am (as of right now). I was really proud of myself. Although I began rocky, I ended the day as a leader. I was able to gain better control of my emotions and make decisions logically. We then got bused to a hotel about 30 minutes away, got our rooms, and said goodbye to G. He was flying out earlier than us. Now we are waiting for our flight that leaves here around 1am May 31st.

So, what am I learning about myself and my leadership? I am learning that I have a long way to go to be blunt. I react fast with emotion not logic and that needs to change. However, when I can gather myself and calm down, I am unstoppable. My ability to be not just a good leader, but a great one is there…I simply just have more self-improvement and growth to do. I have a very long way to go, but after the last month and a situation I am in currently, I really do feel hope. I have realized how imperative it is to surround yourself with good people, especially when things go south. The four of us left will figure it out together. On a different note, it is a shame that this is happening, but the entire last few days were not this bad. We got to explore Delhi and Agra, go to a pool, shop till we drop, and see the Taj Fort and Taj Mahal. These two historical events were so cool, and I loved every minute of it. I particularly found it stunning to see how incredible the structures were in general, but also because they are over 400 years old. The detail, strength, time, and effort were truly indescribable.

(The coolest picture I have like ever taken and no people in it)

Anyways time to focus back on getting home…talk soon hopefully in the US.

Kat