Blog #11: A Particularly Inquisitive Bunch

The other day, one of my professors told my class that our director had informed her that our study abroad group was a “particularly inquisitive bunch.” I am so grateful for that compliment.

Since meeting everyone in my program here, I can honestly say that the good conversations have been incessant. From our first discussion of religion at 3am in the Bangalore airport 30 minutes after meeting each other, to the conversations in our Indian Culture and Traditions class, these people who are now my friends are always asking questions. I love this.

I believe that all of us here have a genuine curiosity about the country we are now living in, and we are not satisfied until we learn everything we can about it. Whether it’s professors, local friends, or literally just random people we meet on the street, it’s not long before a thoughtful (and of course, culturally sensitive) question is posed. It is because of this that I have already learned so much, not just about India, but about life in general. Everyone has something interesting to say.

Being surrounded by so many curious people has been one of my favorite experiences thus far, especially because they have helped me to be more inquisitive myself. Although I would have always considered myself a fairly curious person, I rarely would have posed such thoughtful questions as my peers here, and rarely as often. Now, after spending a few weeks with them, I am becoming more comfortable posing questions to anyone who will listen, which has led to such wonderful learning experiences. Additionally, most people are happy to answer these questions, so it has led to new friendships as well. Talk about a win-win!

I am so grateful that I get the privilege to be surrounded by a group full of like-minded yet unique individuals. Although we all bring many different points of view, experiences, and knowledge to the table, what brings us together is our desire to learn and grow. It is in the pursuit of this (and with a touch of positive peer pressure) that I will keep challenging myself to ask more questions, and keep enjoying the company of this particularly inquisitive bunch.

We also know how to make some incredible Indian food yo.