Heather Reis Blog #4

Today we are at the GIM school in the Coimbatore area. This is the first time that an American college has come to visit the university. Leaving the bus we were greeted by the entire staff and student body. As we walked up the path towards that main building, the students were playing music and giving us flowers. The students and faculty are so proud of their university and that we chose to come and visit them. The cultural performance which included dance, role playing, powerpoint, game, and religious ceremony was very informative. During the cultural performance the women dressed as mimes and acted out a typical Indian woman’s daily life. She first served her husband tea then got him ready for work, followed by dressing her child and sending them off to school. Lastly, she dressed herself and headed to work to deal with the stresses of her job. This helped me see how the working women of India face many of the same struggles as American working women but have the added stress of putting their family first. We were dresses in sarees today. The women of the college were so kind and helpful. Sarees, bangles, earrings, and traditional necklaces. These women have so much pride in their country and their school. Visiting this school, has made me look at my own life, values, and culture and how it affects who I am and my goals for my future.