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…

Something that really struck me during my time in India was how much life still revolves around rivers, which reminded me of Pittsburgh in an unexpected way. Back home, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio shape the city’s identity. But beyond a kayak trip or a bike ride along the trail, most of us do not…

My first real “wow” moment on this trip was in Rishikesh. I have been to temple towns before, but this one felt different from the moment we got there. The streets were full of people looking at different shops, temple bells ringing somewhere in the distance, and cows walking around like they completely belonged there….