Wei Wong - Intro

Hi everyone!

I just realized that we're leaving the country in less than 20 hours . . . I should be sleeping but I'm far too awake from all the excitement!

I'm a senior, graduating with a double major in finance and economics; I'm also a student in the BA/MBA program. Also, I'm the Co-President of the Asian Student Association.

I've always been intrigued by India's myriad of cultures; it's been a source of exoticism and curiosity for me since I was young. When I heard that this course was being offered, I jumped at the chance to sign up and go abroad, and I know that I'll be traveling with an amazing group of women, having the experience of a lifetime.

The excerpt I'm choosing relates to educating women for their families and the future. I feel that it is especially important for women to be educated in developing countries because there is so much that they can offer:

The dimension of future orientation, which is the degree to which individuals in societies engage in future-oriented behaviors such as planning and investing in the future (Gupta & Kelley, 2007), can be showcased through investment in education, especially for women. Tharoor supports the “‘Educate girls’” mantra, citing that educating a girl will educate a family and benefit an entire community (2007, p. 141). Contributing to India’s economical growth are women entrepreneurs and leaders, choosing to start their own businesses and leading major companies. Indra Nooyi, an influential Indian woman who is also the CEO of PepsiCo, is an example. Furthermore, the Society for Rural Improvement is working towards alleviating poverty in rural areas in India by providing micro credit to women. The fact that micro credit is provided only to women allows them to direct their own futures (Tharoor, 2007, p. 418).

See you all this afternoon!