For any bride, choosing not only a look appropriate for the occasion, but also one that showcases your personality, can seem like a daunting task. You “oooh” and “aaah” over glamorous shots in glossy magazines, but reality is there lurking in the background. Will I be able to wear this for 5 hours while bending, stretching, and dancing? Will these colors make our wedding pictures lasting memories?

With so many aspects to think about, here are a few tips to help you get started for your fall wedding:

Major TrendsColors of the season: White and gold was a predominant combination this spring. This fall, try pairing gold with darker hues such as deep reds and burgundies. The sparkle of gold embellishments and embroidery is sure to emphasize any bride’s natural beauty on her wedding day.

Simple statements: The spring was all about soft fabrics and heavy jewelry, but this fall, an outfit comprised of rich velvetyfabrics in exquisite colors with elegant embroidery paired with minimal jewelry will be sure to make you – and only you – stand out on your big day. You don’t want to appear overwhelmed by layering ornate jewelry over heavier fabrics. Keep it simple!

The Wedding Day

Materials: Heavy silk and embroidered borders are a perfect way to make a striking presentation.

Cuts: Embrace the flare! Full flares are in full fashion this year. Embrace the sleeves! (Or not) Try a bold look with either a long-sleeved blouse or a blouse with no sleeves at all. If you prefer the traditional short sleeves or elbow sleeves, style up the sleeves with some stitched embellishments.

Colors: This year is all about extremes. Put a little twist on traditional fall colors by embellishing with bright reds, hot pinks, vibrant yellows, and royal blues.

The Reception and After-parties

Materials: Reception outfits that are light and full of movement will allow for maximum dancing capability! Since most receptions are held in the evening, feel free to play it up with plush fabrics like velvet and embroidered chiffons. Don’t go too overboard on the velvet though – it might weigh you down!

Cuts: This fall, opt for sleek fitting Anarkalis for your reception. Their movement and stylish presentation will make you look like an old-timey Bollywood heroine!

Colors: Don’t be afraid of dark colors – always elegant and perfect for an evening statement. And black is always in style! Change things up with deep navies and rich mahoganies.

This season luscious golds, a mix of fabrics, and bold statements rule the bridal fashion world.

Decor

Fall Foliage: It doesn’t matter if it is spring or fall, a bride will always feel divine adorned in flora. Pretty pinks may be for the spring, but for the fall, deep reds, yellows, oranges, and browns are the way to go. Make use of multi-colored maple leaf arrangements as centerpieces or get creative and style them into your hairstyle! Take it a step further and incorporate musky floral scents such as cinnamon and sandalwood as aromas in your wedding or reception hall.

Place settings: Simple white plates with bold and colorful napkins and tablecloths will give your special occasion just the pop of seasonal color it needs. If you’re going for more of an elegant feel, choose cutlery with gold accents.

Lighting: Twinkle lights and lanterns are sure to give your wedding or reception a romantic and picturesque feel. Adding votive candles to your centerpieces will give your event venue an all around delicate glow.

About the Author

Suhani Patel is an alumni of The University of Georgia, where she majored in Microbiology and minored in Spanish. Suhani aspires to become a physician’s assistant. She is currently applying for graduate school while also working as a pharmacy technician. Suhani enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and has a weakness for local coffee shops.

When one thinks of professions in the medical field, a physician is usually what comes to mind.However, in today’s growing economy and with the rapid onset of new and emerging diseases, there is a growing need for a variety of medical professionals. These professionals provide a diverse skillset that works with and beyond the services a physician can provide.

Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of medical services. Like physicians, they can diagnose, treat and manage medical conditions as well as write prescriptions and carry out certain procedures. Unlike physician’s assistants, they are allowed to work in clinics without physician supervision, but the scope of their practice and authority depends on state laws. Nurse practitioners are advanced registered nurses who have obtained a master’s degree in a nurse practitioner specialty.

Medical Scribe
Medical scribes specialize in real-time charting of doctor-patient visits. Scribes follow (or shadow) a physician throughout the dayon patient visits and hospital rounds taking notes during patient medical exams. Scribes make it easier for a physician to have quality one-on-one time with patients instead of having to worry about entering information into an electronic health record system. In some cases, physicians also rely on scribes to generate and sort medical documents. Becoming a scribe does not require a degree or certification,only on-the-job training. Working as a medical scribe is a great opportunity to get one’s foot in the door when considering other medical professions.

Physician’s Assistant
Physician’s assistants (PAs) practice medicine under a supervising physician. Like nurses and medical assistants, PAs work in a variety of medical settings. Their duties are delegated by the supervising physician and can range from taking medical histories, examining and treating patients, prescribing most medications, interpreting laboratory results, and making diagnoses. Most PA programs are a two-year course, in contrast to the typical four years spent in medical school; however, this is why PAs are not allowed to practice medicine on their own.

Medical Assistant
Medical assistants assist nurses and physicians with both medical and administrative tasks such as taking vitals, prepping operation rooms, and keeping medical records up to date. It is known as the most versatile medical profession because medical assistants are trained in both clinical tasks that involve patient interaction as well as administrative duties. They work in a variety of medical settings ranging from hospitals to small clinics. There are certification courses available to become a medical assistant; however, most hospitals and clinics will train prospective assistants on the job.

Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
EMTs and paramedics are often the first responders in an emergency medical situation. They are dispatched by a 911 operator and work closely with police and firefighters in an emergency scene. These first responders quickly assess the patient’s condition and follow protocols to stabilize the patient for treatment beforetransferring them to a hospital. EMTs and paramedics both work under an emergency medical physician. Becoming an EMT or a paramedic requires the completion of an accredited certification course. The length and rigor of the certification course will depend on the type of EMT/paramedic course you are pursuing.

About the Author
Suhani Patel is an alumni of The University of Georgia, where she majored in Microbiology and minored in Spanish. Suhani aspires to become a physician’s assistant. She is currently applying for graduate school while also working as a pharmacy technician. Suhani enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and has a weakness for local coffee shops.

For any bride, choosing not only a look appropriate for the occasion, but also one that showcases your personality, can seem like a daunting task. You “oooh” and “aaah” over glamorous shots in glossy magazines, but reality is there lurking in the back of your mind. Will I be able to wear this for 5 hours while bending, stretching, and dancing? Will these colors make our wedding pictures lasting memories?
With so many aspects to think about, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Major Trends

Colors of the season: White and gold are a predominant combination this spring. The simplicity of white fabrics with gold embellishments and embroidery are sure to emphasize any bride’s natural beauty on her wedding day.

Simple statements: An outfit comprised of simple fabrics in vibrant colors with simple borders that emphasize the jewelry will be sure to make you – and only you – stand out on your big day.

Belts: Not only are belts a practical accessory keeping the sari or choli in place, but they also accentuate the narrowest part of a woman’s body, making it an essential figure flattering component of this year’strendiest bridal attire.

Florals: Any bride will feel divine in pretty pink flowers. Whether you opt for a bold floral print or a soft lace, your femininity is bound to shine through. Consider using fresh floras as an accessory for your hair.

The Wedding Day

Materials: Mix the heavy and the light. Sheer, light, airy materials paired with heavy silk embroidered borders are a perfect way to make a striking presentation.

Cuts: Embrace the flare! Full flares are in full fashion this spring. Embrace the sleeves! (Or not) Try a bold look with either a long-sleeved blouse or a blouse with no sleeves at all. If you prefer the traditional short sleeves or the elbow sleeves, style up the sleeves with some stitched embellishments.

Colors: This year is all about extremes. Go with white and creams, golds, nudes, pale pinks or with embrace bold color with reds, hot pinks, bright yellows, and royal blues.

The Reception and After-parties

Materials: Reception outfits that are light and full of movement will allow for maximum dancing capability! Since most receptions are held in the evening, feel free to play it up with plush fabrics like velvet and embroidered chiffons. Don’t go too overboard on the velvet though – balance the look with accents and put your own twist on it by contrasting different fabrics.

Cuts: The sharara style is sure to flatter any body type. Long sleek fitting tops overlying full flared skirts are an incredibly glamorous way to spruce up your reception look.

Colors: Don’t be afraid of dark colors – always elegant and perfect for an evening statement. And black is always in style! Change things up with deep navies and rich mahoganies.

About the Author
Suhani Patel, a senior at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, is majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Spanish. A healthcare enthusiast and an avid reader, Suhani will read anything from classic literature to Web MD articles to the Harry Potter series. Suhani enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and has a weakness for local coffee shops.

Desh-Videsh congratulates Suhani on her upcoming graduation from
the University of Georgia. We wish her well in all future endeavors!

As my four years of undergrad come to an end, and as graduation nears, I can’t help but feel bittersweet about my experiences. From the first time you stepped foot in your dorm room to the moment you move the tassel on your graduation cap, every single second you’ve spent on your college campus comes swinging back at you as you begin packing away your things.

I still remember when I found out I was accepted to The University of Georgia. I sat in front of my computer as my parents looked over my shoulder and clicked on the button that read Check Status. A split second later the screen read Accepted. Silence… And then I shrieked. My parents and I were so ecstatic. I could barely keep my feet on the ground. My parents were in the kitchen calling my best friend’s parents while I was calling my best friend. There were hugs and screams of joy, but behind the thrill, there was an aura of sadness. I knew this meant that I was leaving everything I knew behind – my friends, my family, my room. This acceptance was everything I worked towards the past four years of my life, but it was also what I was going to be living for the next four or more years.

When move-in day arrived, I cried. A lot. My dad and I unloaded the last few boxes from the car and as he carried a case of Kirkland water bottles to my dorm, I remember thinking to myself, “What kind of town doesn’t have a Costco? Every town should have a Costco.” Getting used to the huge campus and sharing a public bathroom with twenty other girls was interesting. Making friends on such an immense campus was difficult, and I missed my parents and my friends more than ever. Coming from such a close-knit group of friends, it took a while for me to learn how make new ones. But I survived. I found my group of friends, and I kept in touch with old ones. At the end of my freshman year, I moved out of my dorm and into an apartment with three lovely ladies, and with them I’ve grown as a person.

Over the course of these four years, I have learned a lot. College was where I learned to walk in heels – whether it was putting on pretty pink pumps for a rendezvous downtown, wedges for Sunday brunch, or modest kitten heels for interviews. Whatever the occasion, I quickly learned that the best doctor in town is always Dr. Scholl’s. From spending many late nights at local coffee shops, I think by now I’ve also figured out the difference between a latte, cappuccino, café Americano, and an espresso – all the while trying to get over my current caffeine addiction. In addition, some – like me – learned how to do a proper load of laundry while some of my friends learned how to buy new underwear. Lazy bums… you know who you are. College was where I discovered quinoa and learned how to make a proper smoothie. I have learned that teachers who podcast are gods – listening to lectures in the comfort of a warm cozy bed – what more could a student ask for?! One thing I know my parents are thankful for is learning how to get ready on time; they were always complaining about how long it took me to get ready. So if there is one thing their thousands of dollars paid for during these four years, it was teaching me how to get out of bed, get showered and out the door in less than ten minutes.

Through the fun and games my college experience would not have been complete without a trip abroad. Everyone should be able to go abroad at least once as an undergraduate, and that too, on their own. Whether it’s for two weeks, three months, a semester, or an entire year, the experience is nothing less than exhilarating. It is expensive and hard, so if you can’t go abroad, the least you can do is go to Alaska or Hawaii. And, you don’t have to worry about a visa. Just get out of your comfort zone. Going abroad gives you an entirely new perspective on the world and in essence, life. Whether you are studying, volunteering, interning, or even just traveling abroad, you grow to appreciate diversity and collaborate with different cultures on worthy projects. With the number of stories and experiences you bring back, you genuinely come back a renewed person.

Whatever one decides to do, college is difficult. It can be difficult to go from something so familiar to something intimidating and vast. But eventually everyone finds their niche, as did I. And you know what? I liked it. No, I loved it. These four years of college have been a roller coaster. In hindsight, I made some really stupid mistakes, but even those mistakes have played a role in getting me to where I am right now. (I know, I know… I probably shouldn’t have been watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy when I had to study for a Pathogenesis final, but hey, at least I know more about intubating a person than the rest of my class. That will eventually count for something right?) I have learned that I don’t need to have everything figured out. I can, and should, ask for help when I need it because I have friends, family, and professors that want nothing but the best for me. Managing my social life with my academics has been a challenge. From leaving passive aggressive sticky notes for my roommates around the apartment to making some of the best memories with them, I wouldn’t trade these four years for anything in the world.

I think about the flutters of excitement in my stomach when I stepped out of the car with my parents unloading boxes into my dorm room; fast forward four years and my roommates and I are timidly asking each other whose pots and pans are in the cabinets, wary of saying something that might make any one of us burst into tears.

Yes, I’m graduating, but I’m only 21. I’m still young (at least that’s what everyone keeps telling me). So now is my time. It’s time to live like never before. I may be getting older, but that only means I will have more opportunities. I have learned to take advantage of every situation life throws my way because if there is one thing you can never get back, it is a moment that has passed and the time after it has been wasted. So now is the time.

Four years have gone by, and I sit here thinking of all the amazing experiences I have had and the amazing people I have met and I can’t help but think that I am not done yet. A chapter in my life has closed, but there is so much more to come. There is a reason why they call the ceremonies commencement ceremonies – graduation is not the end, it is just the beginning.

About the Author
Suhani Patel, a senior at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, is majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Spanish. She is thrilled to be graduating in May 2014. A healthcare enthusiast and an avid reader, Suhani will read anything from classic literature to Web MD articles to the Harry Potter series. Suhani enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and has a weakness for local coffee shops.

As the world’s leading producer of movies, no other country makes as many movies as Bollywood. Hindi cinema is comprised of a multitude of genres. The tradition inherent in some films versus the modernity of others is what creates Bollywood’s eccentric cinematography. Whether you watch Bollywood films to swoon over the actors and actresses, immerse yourself in the stories, or just embrace the overall experience, you can’t help but walk away with something to hold on to. It may be the plot message or simply a background song that’s engraved into your mind, but at the end of the day that is the appeal. It’s what keeps us coming back to these films.

One of the many reasons we love Bollywood is because we virtually get our life lessons from these films. The storylines make us laugh, cry, curse, and fall in love. From the old timey glitz and glamour of Umrao Jaan to the politics and poverty of Raajneeti, from the madness and elegance of Devdas to the familial drama and charm of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham – Bollywood has it all and more. Pardes taught us that east or west, India is the best. Sholay showed us the true meaning of friendship. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani helps us understand you can never be old and wise if you were never young and crazy. Dil To Pagal Hai made us truly believe there someone out there meant just for us, and we will know we are in love when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Other films encourage us to live every day of our lives to the fullest because Kal Ho Na Ho. These silly yet profound taglines pertain to every aspect of our lives; we want to – and we do – believe in them. They may give us unrealistic expectations of our lives, but ultimately that is what gives us hope.

Despite the formula most Bollywood film scripts follow, we still enjoy watching the plot unfold on the big screen. Everyone knows how the story will go. The hero will be shot five times in the first twenty minutes, make his way through every dance number, and still make it to the end of the movie just in time to save the girl – who, by the way, will patch him up, just before they ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. (Unless, of course, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed the movie, in which case you know not to expect the norm.) So why are we still intrigued by these movies? Simply because the actors illustrate the characters we wish we could be in real life.

What girl hasn’t wished for a Rahul in her life? Or what guy hasn’t fantasized about ending up with a girl who looks like Deepika? What parents haven’t dreamed of a son like Salman Khan in Baghban? These characters make us want to be like them. The characters set high expectations for real life experiences, and while not all of our experiences play out the way we want, we can’t help but fantasize about the way they could be portrayed in a Bollywood movie. Of course with the number of movies being produced by the Bollywood industry, not all movies depict the streamlined scripts of family drama and romantic courtship. However, whenever someone mentions the word “Bollywood,” hackneyed plot lines we all love are precisely what comes to mind.

Another prominent aspect of Bollywood films is the music. Music, particularly from Hindi films, is an integral part of our lives. From Jagjit Singh’s melodic ghazals to Atif Aslam’s pop songs, Bollywood music makes you wish your life was set to a soundtrack. We have a plethora of music for every occasion. Birthdays? Check. You ask for wedding songs – I say which function – mehndi, wedding, reception? Songs such as “Maa” from Taare Zameen Par will always make you cry, and if you ever hear “Shava Shava” or “Badtameez Dil,” it is guaranteed, to say the least, you will be tapping your foot to the beat.

Bollywood, more so than any other film industry, definitely takes dancing to a completely different level. The choreographer’s creativity paired flawlessly with the song’s lyrics generates pure magic. People essentially pour their hearts and souls into every last step of a dance – even the ones meant to humor the audience. Whether you need something to wind down after a long day or a tune to pump you up for your next party, Bollywood’s got you covered. Altogether, Bollywood films make us believe; the films allow us to indulge in an assortment of music, they teach us and give us hope, even allowing us to escape reality – making them the epitome of the perfect cinematic experience.

About the Author
Suhani Patel, a senior at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, is majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Spanish. A healthcare enthusiast and an avid reader, Suhani will read anything from classic literature to Web MD articles to the Harry Potter series. Suhani enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants and has a weakness for local coffee shops.

From the beginning, the American way of life has been a very fast paced one, and for today’s generation, it can be especially hard to establish your own identity. For Indian-American women, this country itself isn’t a place foreign to us; rather, some aspects of our own culture can be hard to understand. Being raised by parents who have followed a more or less traditional route isn’t easy. On one hand, it can be hard for parents to give their children the freedom that comes with living in a generally socially liberal country like the United States, and on the other, Indian-American girls can find it difficult to empathize with their parents upbringing. Whatever our background, we’ve all had similar experiences. We struggle constantly to keep a balance with our roots while trying to keep pace with the American way of life – sometimes this struggle lands us in situations where we may look back and laugh, maybe feel sad, or even sometimes mad.

One of the most annoying issues Indian-American girls face at home concerns our education. When it comes to our grades, Indian-American parents are nothing but persistent. Did you make all A’s this semester? Why did you only make a 96 on your physics exam? Did you eat your almonds today? No? Why?! How are you going to remember all those proteins for your biochemistry class? Woah. Talk about needing a chill pill. The first thing I am going to do when I become a doctor is prescribe you some Valium.(To all the lovely parents reading this, just kidding!) But ladies, I know that is exactly what goes on inside your heads too. Don’t even deny it. We are constantly competing to be the best because of the pressure put on us by our parents. There is no doubt they want the best for us. But the thing is,in school we are surrounded by other kids who think a B+ is a milestone. As a result, we start to question whether our parents’ expectations are valid. Are they asking too much of us? Or are other kids just not on par with our capabilities?

On a different note, hospitality is a big part of our culture, and sometimes friends think we are obnoxiously welcoming when they come to our houses. Indian moms tend to interpret a “no” as I’m saying no, but in actuality please feel free to shove some more dal down my throat. What runs through your head: This isn’t India Mom! It’s America. A no really means no. But you know better than to speak up because anything you say will probably be shot down by your delightful mother. So you silently sink down into your chair feeling sorry for your friends’ stomachs and start thinking of the nearest pharmacy where you can run and grab some Spitballs. We obviously cannot and do not want to disrespect our moms, but we also have a reputation to uphold. We don’t want our friends to think we’re trying too hard, but we can’t just tell our moms to back off. That is the way our moms were raised. Why should they change their customary ways of addressing guests just because our friends won’t understand? Of course this is what we should think, but instead we are more concerned about being accepted by our friends. It’s not that we are ashamed of our upbringing – we just don’t want to be compelled to justify it. It’s like we are in a perpetual catch-22.

Regardless of how annoyed we get with our own culture sometimes, our blood boils when others disrespect it. Take those hate parade tweets after Nina Davuluri won the Miss America pageant. “The Arab wins?! This is Miss AMERICA, not Miss Arabia!” Um. So, tell me again how you passed middle school geography? Or when you tell your friends you are going to India the summer after graduation, and they stare at you like a deer in headlights, genuinely asking if you’re going to “come back married or something.” Yeah … now would be a good time to walk away. And possibly question your choice of company. How about when the Lowe’s guy comes to replace the screen door and tries to brush off the swastika drawn on the steps with his foot: “Holy mother of god. Who put that there?!”You (politely) give him the stink eye because your parents are standing behind you. But really, tell me you don’t just want to punch him.

We watch people insult our culture on a daily basis. It’s amazing how culturally insensitive people can be. For one, we live in the melting pot of nations. Part of us wants to tell them off. The other half realizes that we are not in our homeland. Maybe we should keep quiet. Yet another part of us feels like we don’t know enough about our culture. We don’t want to come off as ABCDs. We try to live both lives, protecting the culture we were taught and living in the culture we grew up in.

The quirky nature of our culture is full of ironies. One of the most obvious is dating. Living in America, they expect us not to date, but as soon as we hit the age of 25 they ask “So… where’s the boy??” You didn’t want me to date for the past 25 years of my life and now you expect me to conjure up a husband out of thin air? Great. Or maybe your parents go a step further and ask your relatives in India to start looking for potentials. That’s when the middle-of-the-night calls start rolling in. How tall are you? How tall should he be? What’s your major? He’s a little dark, but he’s an engineer! Can I give him your number so he can call you? Um no? I’ll shop for my own husband, thank you very much. And they tell you “dating” is unconventional.

Despite getting calls in the middle of the night from curious, worried grandmas who want to know if you’ve learned to cook yet and if they should start searching for your suitors, you know you have the biggest and best families out there. Your parents are everyone’s uncle and aunty – including your eclectic group of Spanish, Asian, African, Irish, Black, White, Red, Green (you get the point) friends. Your parents treat them like their own kids and spoil them rotten. Sometimes you can’t help but wonder why you’ve never gotten that kind of treatment from your parents. Accordingly, when we do eventually find the one, all of our friends insist on coming to our weddings. So, sure why not… we’ve never even met half of the family that shows up at our own weddings. What’s a few, maybe fifty, more?

Fun and games aside, crossing national borders does not mean losing cultural ones. Yes, people may think we are loud and crazy, but they also know we are quite lovable. We make the best students because our adorable dads worry too much about our futures. We make the best friends because our houses have the best food. And following in our female ancestors’ footsteps, it’s a given that we also make the best wives and mothers. We may be fair. We may be dark. Even if we were purple, most people will still think we are “totally exotic.” So to say the least, you’re Indian, you’re female, and you live in America. Hello superwoman.

About the Author
Suhani Patel, a senior at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, is majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Spanish. A healthcare enthusiast, Suhani enjoys writing for the UGA PreMed Magazine. An avid reader, Suhani will read anything from biographies to Web MD articles to the Harry Potter series.

One of the greatest experiences of my life has been an internship with International Volunteer HQ. The organization provides people of any age and affiliation a chance to volunteer and intern in almost any field. Since the organization at heart is a volunteer organization, the main focus of the programs is to provide volunteers and interns a way to benefit the communities in which they are placed.

What drove me to apply for an internship with this organization was the strong desire to travel and work abroad as well as my strong interest in the healthcare field. As a college student studying Microbiology with a strict course schedule, I certainly did not have the time or the money to take a semester off and study abroad. And let’s face it, if you’re going into the medical field, the last thing you are looking for is a “study” abroad. What you really want is to get down to the nitty gritty and get some hands-on experience. So why not start in your homeland?

After being accepted as an intern for International Volunteer HQ’s healthcare program, I was placed in Faridabad – a city outside of proper Delhi, India. During my internship, I lived with a wonderful host family and other interns aspiring to pursue careers in the medical field. I had the privilege of working with amazing people from all over the world: a pharmacy student from Taiwan, an ex-military medical assistant from New York, a pediatric nurse who recently completed an orphanage project in Africa, and my personal favorite – a business analyst who sold all of his possessions from his house and car to his suit jackets, packed his bags, and traveled to Delhi to teach in a slum school.

As I got to know my fellow interns, I was amazed at just how similar our journeys were that led to this trip. Each of us wanted to live an experience that would not only give us a better sense of the world, but also give us that slap-in-the-face culture shock feeling. That is exactly what I got. Because I am Indian, many people assumed that I had a breeze adjusting to my host family and the culture in Faridabad. In reality, India is such a mind-blowing place, for both those of Indian and non-Indian origins. Though poverty surrounds you everywhere you turn, you are also struck by a culture that is so rich in tradition. Every which way you look you will encounter a different community, religion, and dialect.

My family is from Gujarat, but even for me, traveling and working in Faridabad was no less of a major culture shock. I was not used to the 7 pm safety curfews, unspoken “no shorts rule,” potato dishes with every meal, open-air markets, or the common vibe of living in a joint family. Even with the inconvenience of using a bucket to shower, not being able to flush toilet paper, constantly buying bottled water, and sharing a room with some unexpected cockroach friends, I feel both ecstatic and fortunate to have had this experience. Though I was born and raised in America, I still like to think of India as my home. It’s where my parents were born. It’s where they grew up. And it’s where they inherited their values. The cultures in India and America may indeed be different, but they are both mine to embrace. Through this internship, I took the abilities and experiences I gained in America and applied them to my work in India, and with that I’ve brought back with me countless memories.

So whether my hands were stained red from eating chutney, getting henna tattoos, or being smeared with blood while helping a doctor through a Caesarian-section, I truly experienced a full Indian immersion. No, it wasn’t a neatly packaged internship and at times I wanted to pull my hair out. But when old ladies walked by me as I went about my work at the hospital and put their hand on my head, murmured what sounded like words of gratefulness and then walked away, I couldn’t help but get that warm fuzzy feeling and think that I just might be doing something right.

About the Author
Suhani Patel, a senior at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, is majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Spanish. A healthcare enthusiast, Suhani enjoys writing for the UGA PreMed Magazine. An avid reader, Suhani will read anything from biographies to Web MD articles to the Harry Potter series.