Somaiya College- Magazine Article and Warm Regards

Foray Into The Unknown
When the news came back in March that I would be heading to India for my Fulbright exchange, I was elated. India, so exotic and wonderful. I felt lucky to have been selected. As time passed, I came to learn that I would be teaching at K.J. Somaiya College in Ghatkopar. So many questions raced through my mind. Where would I live? How would I survive so far from home? Would I “fit in” and make friends? Would the students like me? I was overwhelmed and scared. All my questions quickly found their own answers.
Almost immediately, Mrs. Shanthala Kasarkod, my exchange partner, and I began exchanging emails. In a few months, we would swap lives completely. She had as many questions and concerns as I did. We helped each other understand what to expect in our host cities and more importantly, in our host schools. We finally had the pleasure of meeting in August at the Fulbright orientation. I found a friend in Mrs. Kasarkod, and we assured each other that this would indeed be the experience of a lifetime.
As the plane touched ground in Mumbai on August 14, my heart pounded and my palms were sweating. This was the BIG moment. I was wrapped in fear. My pre-arranged ride was not available to pick me up. Panic set in. I dialed the only number I had handy and the voice on the other end would come to be one I will never forget.
Shortly thereafter, my life would change. To my rescue came my mentors, Mrs. Renu Bakshi and Mrs. Savita Moghe. Seeing their smiling faces for the first time brought a sigh of relief. This was my first introduction to K. J. Somaiya College and I had no idea that this initial meeting would define the next five months.
I was quickly whisked away into the depths of a city that would be my new home with two amazing women that would be part of my new family. Upon arriving at K.J. Somaiya College, I was overwhelmed with the Indian hospitality that makes this country so phenomenal. The staff and students at Somaiya College greeted me like a long lost friend, not a stranger they had never met. This welcome would continue without fail for the duration of my stay.
There are no words to describe the experience that I have had at Somaiya College. My colleagues are amongst the best and the brightest. Their never ending patience and laughter has comforted me every day. I know no strangers here, and cannot thank them enough. The students, in all their awe and amazement of “the American,” have taught me far more than I have taught them. They are dedicated to their education, highly respectful, talented, and are truly the future of this great country.
Sadly, my time is drawing to a close. If I could stay forever, I would. However, I cannot. But, I take with me friendships that will last a lifetime, an arsenal of twenty or so well-used Hindi words, and memories that will never be surpassed. Thank you K.J. Somaiya College for allowing me to become part of the fabric that makes you so rich. The pleasure has been all mine.