First Person: #ExchangesAre Connecting Humanity

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By Raj Kumar.

During my 2013 Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program, learning respect and cherishing diversity was one of the key takeaways for me, and since then I have always strived for more diverse and culturally enriching experiences. When I found out I was selected to attend the 10^th Global Youth Peace in 2015 Festival to be held in Chandigarh, India I was ecstatic! I was going to be with participants from 12 other countries; a diversity experience like I’ve never experienced and I was to be the “Cultural Ambassador” for Pakistan! I couldn’t wait to meet the other participants and check-off several key sites on my travel to-do list: the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, Sufi shrines, Haveli of Mirza Ghalib, Qutb Minar, the Lotus Temple, and the beautiful artificially rock garden of Chandigarh.

In honor of International Exchange Alumni ‘s celebration of 75 years of exchange alumni this December, I would like to showcase the diversity, warmth and appreciation I first-handedly witnessed during my exchanges to the U.S. and India. #ExchangesAre connecting you with humanity.

If you are a keen learner, you will learn without looking at the nationalities. Gandhi has always been my favorite for his peaceful notions.

Jazzing it up: Making new memories with new friends at Huntingdon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

As a peace-maker, I always try to find the similarities, either through food, architecture, or music. These all are peace connectors. The Red Fort in Agra is one such landmark that attracts tourists from far and wide.

KIWANI’s International Family: who work for the betterment of their community.

College Bakers was the best stop to make friends. Every day I sat at a different table with different people.

While in the U.S., I was able to mobilize funds for the vulnerable children of Tharparker through a weekly Raffle draw.

Sharing new experiences: I learned how to ski thanks to my Mexican friend Hector.

In Sindh, giving this Chaddor called Ajrak is a sign of respect. I gave one to my host father in the U.S.

I belong to no religion, my religion is love and every heart is my temple. At the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

Here I am with my Indian-American Host Family – The Bhaskers

My first ever Rickshaw ride in New Delh, India.

Dresses are a part of composite heritage which brings us together.

One of the reasons to miss my exchange is the amazing Frazier Family.

First day in the class, met this friend from Japan.

Sharing the taste of Pakistan: I made chicken karahi for my friends in my dorm.

#ExchangesAre life changing. They taught me the importance of humanity coming before all social boundaries.

At Pittsburg museum trying to make connection, surpassing the human-animal divide.

The epitome of love, Taj Mahal and the peace-maker.

Making friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

About the author: Raj Kumar is an alumnus of the Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program 2013. He was placed at Juniata College Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

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