Sometimes the best lessons do not come from textbooks or lectures. In India, I found myself learning in unexpected moments, chasing sunsets, walking along foggy trails, and having conversations I never anticipated. These small experiences revealed more about patience, connection, and presence than any classroom discussion could. By the end of my program, I realized that noticing the world around me, even in fleeting moments, was just as important as anything I studied.
Toward the end of the trip, my friends and I didn’t miss a single sunset if the sky was clear. Every evening, as we hiked up to our dorm, we would pause partway to watch the day melt into orange and pink. Sometimes the monsoon fog hid everything, but we still stood there, waiting just in case. It was never just about the view; it reminded me to slow down and breathe, something I rarely do back in Pittsburgh. One day, a car stopped as we walked to the school gate. The driver asked where we were from and how India was, all in Hindi. I replied in my very broken Hindi, and he smiled like I had nailed it. That tiny interaction showed me that connection does not need perfect words, just a willingness to try.
Above it all, I learned to go with the flow, something I was completely incapable of back home. Plans changed constantly, Wi-Fi disappeared without warning, the rain showed up at the most inconvenient times, and instead of stressing like the Type A in me would, I learned to laugh and adjust. These experiences reminded me that flexibility is not just a practical skill but a mindset, one that makes challenges feel less like obstacles and more like opportunities.
None of this came from a textbook, but these lessons are coming home with me. At Pitt and beyond, I want to carry this energy into everything I do, especially as I work toward a career in medicine. Flexibility, curiosity, and the ability to connect across cultures are just as important in healthcare as they are on a mountain in India. And I plan to keep making time for the view, even if it is hiding behind a little fog.