Youth Voices: Final Words
Ferdinand Magellan once said, “Travel teaches us that we have the ability to adapt.” Coming to India alone definitely has changed me in so many ways and I’ve adapted very well to the atmosphere Hyderabad has offered. I think that this is the experience is exactly what I needed and it would not have turned out more perfectly than this. The exposure to hands-on skills at the World Vegetable Center to the experience of seeing some of Hyderabad’s most magnificent jewels all accumulate to make up my Borlaug Experience. I can’t believe my final week here in India is over; I have made countless connections and cannot stop exploring. But they do say ‘all good things do come to an end.’
My last week in Hyderabad was unforgettable as I presented my waterlogging research findings to experts at the World Vegetable Center — South Asia / Central Asia. It was definitely a presentation I won’t forget. As a seventeen-year-old researching and speaking in front of experts in various agricultural fields, it took a lot of confidence to make my presentation a success. Having the opportunity to perform research internationally is something I would have never guessed that I would ever do, especially at the high school level. However, I am beyond grateful for the World Food Prize Foundation extending their opportunity for me to perform research in Hyderabad. Dr. Ram helped me through it all and for that, I am forever grateful!
A gift that India has offered to me in both states I went to was the outpour of love from everyone. Everywhere I would go a lot of the people would extend their deepest gratitude for myself and Zara. Their kindness and encouragement have left a lasting impact on me. This sense of community and connection has deeply enriched my India trip and personal growth. Going to Kerala to see family was way more than expected, I loved reuniting with my grandparents for a weekend. I got to meet more of my father’s family and ate more South Indian dishes. Masala dosa will remain as my favorite dish, always! NO matter if it is 12 am or 1:30 pm, I will always have masala dosa as a dish! Special shoutout to my ammachi for making some of the best homemade dishes ever!!
In addition to the rich cultural experiences and the love I received, my time in India has also deepened my understanding of the environmental challenges we face and the innovative solutions being developed to address them...[CONTINUE READING]