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Fifteen months in the Peace Corps, countless unique experiences, several victories, and a handful of challenges later, I have a few reflections to share --
1. Your energy is independent of language, culture, and other barriers. It introduces you as you walk into a room.
2. Acknowledgment in the work place, social spaces, and at home is a connection in our humanity. To refuse acknowledgement is dehumanizing.
3. If your glass is empty, fill it back up. Don't wait for someone to do it for you.
4. If your glass is full, share.
5. Relationships are of the greatest importance to any person's life. To live in absence of enriching relationships, is to live an empty life. That being said, boldly invest your time and energy into the people that you care for.
6. Advocate for yourself. No one can hear your voice if you aren't speaking.
7. There are going to be many people who believe they understand what "success" is. Never forget that only you get to set your definition of "success".
8. There are (at least) two types of respect: cultural and societal. Even if you're in a different culture, you're still expected to show societal respect. Listen when spoken to, show up on time, and be present.
9. Don't ever judge someone based on their education level. The structure of our society is jarringly unfair in the way it disperses opportunity. Often times, your latitude and longitude end up determining your access to quality education.
10. Not only can you learn from people who are older, have more experience, and have seen 'more life' than you, but you can learn substantially from those younger, with less than you, and those not yet tainted with the streaks and strife of life.
11. The lessons you learn through adversity are lasting imprints in your memory. Cherish that!
12. If you fall and can't get up, relentlessly try as many methods as it takes to stand.
-Poonam