India.

10:42:00 PM

I guess now would be a good time to bring my big news to the blog-world...Last week I received the news that I will be joining 6 other BYU students on a Field Study to..wait for it...INDIA for five months next fall. I cannot even begin to explain my joy, my gratitude, my excitement. I will spend my time researching and will write the equivalent of my senior thesis when I get back (but since I'll be sophomore when I get back I don't feel like it counts). I think the Research Emphasis I've chosen is Women's Studies. There was a large legal movement towards equality in India in recent years but for whatever reason...Traditions haven't changed, culture has prevailed and the inequality stands unscathed, the women still largely below the men. This is something I am passionate about and anxious to get started on, I just feel like this is something I'm supposed to do.

Originally, I had not the slightest clue how I was accepted into this program, being an inexperienced Freshman traveling with research assistants, TA's and the like. As I dwell on my interview with the Professor however, it becomes clear to me that I was completely guided, guided towards certain answers or phrasing of sentences, guided to speak, not to speak. But the best part was that even as I spoke, not knowing beforehand what I would say, I felt the truth of my words and I knew that they were completely sincere. The Professor accepted me into the program on the spot, told me I would be the last one accepted, and I simply waited for the official confirmation email. I know I'm supposed to be there, as I said before, there is something I need to do, and I cannot wait to discover exactly what that thing is. In the meantime, I'll be reading up on India, soaking in every bit of information I can; ever grateful for the sustaining hand of my family and a loving Heavenly Father.

Ps.Pictured above is a photo of the city I will be living in for five months... Visakahaptnum, India. Try to say that three times fast haha. What a lovely land, and we live right on the beach, I'm so blessed.

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4 comments

  1. I am so thrilled for you. and the journey you are on. You had better keep blogging.
    and be sure to do some yoga while you're there. :)

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  2. LUCKY GIRL!! You are going to have such an awesome experience, I am so stoked for you.

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  3. I love your blog, and this is awesome. I had the same experience with Thailand! Good luck with everything, and thanks for sharing. :)

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  4. Malli,
    We are so stoked for you to go! Seriously though, I can't say that I'm surprised. You are truly such an amazing girl - so gifted in so so many ways. You are going to have an awesome time (even if you miss the awesomeness of a Peterson Christmas.) I looooooove you, and am so excited for you to have this amazing experience. Look out world, here she comes! With world peace for all!!

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