Closing: I Have Become Pani Puri

And roti...

As well as dal, and paratha, and pickled green chilies, as well as idli, dosa, batasha, jalebi, the one snack things I can't remember the name of (oh wait, namak para!), and those little coffee candies from the IT guy,

and, of course, Danny's Fried Chicken.

And after becoming all of these things, I feel truly nourished.

As I flew over the midwest, I was immediately hit by a sense of... what's the opposite of claustrophobia?

Wait let me look it up.

Allegedly, it is agoraphobia.

After being in such close contact with people for two months, either in the dining hall, office, or busy streets of Khan market, I was instantly startled by the emptiness of Iowa.

the beautiful midwest.

Memories of home came flooding back, but a bittersweet feeling remained. Even though I would continue to meet with my mentor and write my report, I realized that I wouldn't be back in India for quite a long time.

the beautiful Taj

A lot of my friends and family expressed little interest in ever visiting India, which is fair considering how expensive the air fare it is and how many layovers it takes to get there.

However I believe traveling somewhere so ancient and historically relevant as a simple midwesterner is incredibly crucial to how you perceive the world, and I am so incredibly thankful of the World Food Prize Foundation for allowing me to understand a reality outside the quaint one I've always known.

I have far too many people to thank for this wonderful opportunity, so this might be a bit long.

First, I would like to thank my mentor, Richa. Words can't describe how amazing of a mentor she was. Her patience with my many scattered thoughts and ideas helped me to harness my excitement for sociological research and create a wonderful project that has helped me explore a career in public health and sustainability. It is because of her guidance that I have truly improved my skills in research and field work, and because of her I have solidified a passion for helping others help themselves.

Thank you to Sam, who has been instrumental in coordinating field visits and making my stay at the Foundation comfortable. On my first day of my internship, I remember Richa had me sit at your desk since we hadn't yet been moved to our conference room. There was a quote on the desk that said:

"Worry is a misuse of imagination."

I thought this quote was genius. Thank you for all of the advice you have given, and for allowing this experience to be an adventure.

To everyone at the Sehgal Foundation who provided food, housing, and wonderful company, thank you.

Thank you to the sponsor of my internship, Hy-Vee, for providing support for this journey and allowing me to explore food systems outside of Iowa. As an Iowan, born and raised, it is an honor to have my travels supported by the same company that supplies the scrumptious tenderloins that me and my pa get every Tuesday.

And last, but certainly not least, thank you to all of Youth Programs staff at the World Food Prize. Renee and Rebecca, thank you for checking in on me during the duration of the internship and guiding me along this process. Knowing I had a team to rely on made my anxieties about traveling evaporate, and future interns will be happy to know that the World Food Prize has their back in every situation.

For future interns, I can't even express how incredible of an experience this is. Yes, it will be daunting at times, and no experience is the same, but it is about what you make of the journey rather than the journey itself.

So here is some advice I would give:

• Make new friends! Don't be afraid to reach out to others your age who are fellow interns or consultants at the host organization. Finding some pals in the area makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Utilize social platforms to stay connected with others, but always use good judgement when meeting strangers, and don't hesitate to reach out to an adult if you feel like something is off.

• Befriend your coworkers: Some of the people at your host organization at may have expertise in a field you are considering working in. Never hesitate to ask questions, and maybe if you're lucky your coworkers will bring you snacks to try!

• Consider purchasing a VPN, or invest in Holafly (not sponsored!!): Unfortunately you can be a bit vulnerable to cyber attacks when you are abroad, and the internet can be quite spotty as well. I had a VPN for just two months and it was incredibly helpful. I also purchased an esim while I was in Rishikesh due to the spotty internet, and it was a good choice overall

• Bring less clothes: I really wish I did this. If you are going to India, you will surely want to purchase a kurti or sari. Bring a good assortment of comfy linen pants to wear under when you go to the field.

• Bring a scrapbook!: It's always a good idea to collect stickers, receipts, and newspaper to preserve memories for years to come. Also if you have one, bring a good camera!

  
  

The memories you make after an experience like this stick with you for a lifetime, so do your best to soak it all in before it's over.