Here I am telling donors about my scholarship at the New College of Florida National Award Winner Reception in May.
For those of you who do not know, I received a Critical Language Scholarship through the Department of State to study the northern Indian language of Punjabi. I will be in Punjab from approximately June 12 to August 20. The entire journey begins of June 8, when I fly to various orientations.
I'm nervous, as per usual. Excited, scared, sorrowful. That last one stems from the fact that I just graduated from New College, had to say goodbye to my friends, and in the meantime trying to reconnect to my home in Minnesota. Whenever I come back to Minneapolis, I have only a small window before I have to say goodbye again. It's very conflicting as I hate staying in one place for more than a couple of months but, at the same time, hate cutting off ties that I've made in my travels.
What am I most worries about? It's not cultural barriers in India or anything, I have survived those during my trips to Brazil in Florida. No, I'm scared of the future. What happens after India? Adult readers are probably thinking the same thing.
"So what do you plan to do after India? Are you going to get a job?"
It's funny how the older generation sticks to the script. Here's the deal: I don't know. I can make all the plans in the world, but I don't know. I have some ideas, but the truth is that it is hard out there. Jobs are scarce, especially those pertaining to my skill set. I have a college degree and I will be learning my fourth language this summer. Who wants me? Don't delude yourself- there are not many opportunities for a kid like me. I've looked. But I haven't given up.
In the meantime, I'll be enjoying my privilege. So leave me alone, adults.
If worse comes to worse, I'll live a delusional life of travel. I'm young, I've got no kids, no obligations, so why not?
Today's mission: Love yourself just a little more.
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