In Pune, Maharashtra, India, I had the advantage to learn so much about others that helped me learn more about myself. This was not my first time out of the country but it was my first time studying abroad. During my trip, I was able to learn more about their culture, live their lives and hear their own stories which I never experienced when traveling to another country. What was different for me was my home stay, language barriers, the traffic that had no stop signs and few stop lights, the noise of car horns blowing consistently, the constant stares I received, seeing such cute dogs who walk alongside of you and remembering to stay on the left side instead of the right when walking or driving. Despite all of that, I was honestly comfortable with being uncomfortable because this was all new to me. It was a process adjusting but it didn’t take long for me to adjust because from the moment I arrived in India to the time I left, I was always welcomed wherever I went.

My main focus on the trip was my internship. I was required to complete three tasks for KEM Hospital Research Centre. The first task was to come up with questions for HIV youth then conduct interviews on mental health problems among HIV youth. The second task was to come up with questions for staff of HIV youth and then conduct an interview on mental health problems among HIV youth. And the third task was to create a PowerPoint on ART (antiretroviral therapy) and positive prevention. For tasks one and two I had to formulate a report including background information, methods such as data and statistics, and the results. HIV is a very sensitive topic and it was challenging coming up with questions for the youth. After the interviews were completed, I realized so much in such a short time. In India, more outsiders than families advocate for those affected by HIV, but in America it’s the opposite. Both India and America lack the importance of talking about mental health, which is why I was given the task so I can help open up youth to be willing to talk about theirs. My future career is going to be a HIV/AIDS researcher and an advocate for HIV/AIDS globally. This internship gave me more confidence and confirmation that I am choosing the right path. I am so grateful to have received such an amazing opportunity. I was able to build bonds that cannot be broken. I’m thankful for those who allowed this experience for me, who helped me through it, and helped me become a better me. I now appreciate so many things I once didn’t even know I could and/or should appreciate. My mindset is completely different and I am willing to be way more open to new things. All I can truly say is thank you!

About the blogger

Ravyn J. is studying abroad on the Health Science Internship program in Pune, India.