Like ripples left in the wake of passing ship, the memories of my time with The Modern Story resonate with me to this day – from the subtle sound of a familiar Indian accent on the New York streets, to the electric shock of remembrance when I open a notebook and find an out of place message from a student. This entry has been a long time coming – though what more appropriate day to reflect than that of the final ceremony concluding the 2012 TMS Curriculum at all of the schools. After facing an unfortunate run-in with a dengue infected mosquito and spending two weeks in a delusional state of mind-body disconnect, I returned to America in late October and have not able to fulfill the rest of my intended projects with the schools where I was teaching. As I look at the pictures of Emily and Dana saying their final goodbyes to the Railway students today, the pangs of nostalgia feel fresh.

Message of memories I made for the students of Railway 8A

Unwinding from this time in Hyderabad has not been easy – it is difficult to articulate a city where the spirit is so strong, the energy so vibrant, that it is tangible in the air. India has been home to some of the most sincere connections I have ever made, from the seemingly trivial interactions with a reliable ricshaw driver, to the protective presence of the samosa man next door who we always knew was looking out for us. Life in this big, crowded city felt like home. Additionally, I was given the blessing of experiencing all of this with two creative and amazing co-fellows Emily and Dana, and of course Asma and Neha, sincerely the strongest and most fascinating women I have met. It sounds cliché, but sometimes I feel that getting so intimate with Hyderabad taught me a new way to love – to embrace diversity from the heart and legitimately open the eyes and ears to all the variety of forms that life’s wisdom takes. Never did I anticipate when I left for this fellowship that the students would create such an impact on me. I have bits and pieces of student paraphernalia hanging in my room – name cards, drawings, letters, or masks- and they remind me every day of that inquisitive childlike presence on the otherside of the globe.

Stepping back in time to when I was just leaving India…we were just concluding our small video projects. I want to take a moment to reflect on each of the schools and give a bit of detail about those projects. Because it is most fresh in my mind, I will begin with the project of Railway Class 8A. It was exciting to watch these students perform drama – not only creating a critical awareness of their own identities but allowing the film medium to open them up to the potential of taking on new roles. We can be whoever we want to be! The project was entitled “Fight For Your Rights: Education for Everyone!” and concerned a young girl from a village who desperately wanted an education but was not allowed to go to school in her village. She decides that if she can not go to school as a girl, then she will go as a boy and dresses up every day. Watch to discover what can happen when one girl makes a bold move and stands up for the rights of the community. Below is a link where you can watch the full video on vimeo.

Fight For Your Rights! Education for All