By: Emmett Makarushka

It’s been 5 days since we left India, and as I return to my life I think about what I have learned. The thing that keeps coming to my mind is “problems”.

Right now in my world, I’m worried about being able to succeed in online classes, and I am thinking of the virus that is currently plaguing the world. In Agora, our wonderful host Suman’s world, he is most likely worried and excited about the upcoming birth of his child. In Mr. Byers’ world he is most likely thinking about how to keep our community safe. All of these worries and problems may seem big or small to each of us or maybe even relatable. What I’ve realized is that no problem is bigger than any other. For example a child in Agora isn’t worried about my problems, but they still carry significance for me. Just as Suman is probably not thinking about Mr. Byers’ problems, but these still carry significance for Mr. Byers. We each, even if we don’t want to admit it, live in our own world where we focus on our own needs.

In this time especially we need to open our hearts and help others where we can. I am thankful I went to India because I learned so much in the short time I spent there.