Heather Reis Blog #1

This is such an amazing experience! I don’t think it has fully sunk in that I am half way across the world. Leaving the airport last night, we saw crowds of people, smelled the difference in the air, and were surrounded by cars continually beeping their horns. Today, we spent the day at the university. While touring the Vidyavihar Somaiya campus I met a young woman a few years old than I who is working on her graduate degree. I was able to see areas where our lives were similar as well as find some differences between us. We discussed our upbringing and how we were both taught the importance of earning a degree and bettering ourselves through education. I was surprised to find out that both of her parents had college degrees. I asked her if she was concerned about being stuck in a middle management position, which happens often to women in the US and many other places. She said that this was not too much of a concern for her because she is working on her master’s degree and she feels that education is the way to break through this restraint. I thought this to be interesting. I agree that education allows for advancement but I feel that attitude, confidence, and assertiveness are also very important in moving to top level positions. My new friend was interested in my ideas and took a lot from our conversation. On a cultural note, I am surprised at how much I enjoy the cuisine. I’m taking tons of great pictures. I can’t wait to get home and share them with my family. If you are reading this..love you Mom and Dad!