When I was shortlisted for an interview for the global internship programme, they asked me ‘Explain how your set of skills reflect those of a global ambassador.’ Naturally, I showed off my background giving back to my community, my strong cultural competency skills, and my love for Aotearoa and our people. However, these skills and experiences will only get you a ¼ of the way – the rest is up to you and your willingness to change.
As I sit here writing this, I reflect on my first initial thoughts after my first week here – colour, culture, noise and heat. Now, if I were told to describe Mumbai in a couple of words it would be culture, luxury, struggle but most of all – resilience. Greeting the halfway point of my journey, I’ve come to realise what it means to truly accept change.
Admittedly, as one does, I broke down crying after the first week – I missed my baby brother, I missed my two cats and most of all, I missed my bed with four pillows. Of course, adapting without struggle is an illusion and I can’t expect a new environment to change just because I’m unused to it. Living here has shown me what it really means to endure, no matter where you walk there is someone making a living – juicing sugar canes, selling fabrics, offering massages, or making lemonade.
Mumbai has been both challenging and rewarding, I’ve probably said ‘No’ more times here than I’ve had in my entire life, I’ve had to turn away children, I’ve almost been run over, I’ve stepped in dog (I hope) poop and I’ve been scammed a couple of times too. But alongside this I’ve also been greeted warmly, I’ve watched the sunset from the open doors of the train, I’ve danced with new friends from NMIMS and I’ve been enriched with culture.
I can’t speak for everyone and I can’t speak for India as a whole, I can barely speak for Mumbai! But from this short blip of 6 weeks in my whole 22 years of being alive, I can definitely say being able to experience India beyond that of a tourist has been life changing.
In just these three short weeks the beauty of Mumbai has found a thousand ways to showcase itself – whether it be through the lively street vendors, the sunset over Marine drive, the sleeping cats or the children with flowers. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that in a couple weeks time my daily routine will become another memorable experience, but that’s what makes my time here all the more precious. Until next time!
The day we visited Gharapuri.
Went down the wrong path just enjoyed the journey.
Cohort dinner at Koyla.
Flowers.
Walking to work in Lower Parel.
