Douglas Wallack - Bridge Year India
I was born in Washington D.C. and have spent most of my life in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, where I live with my parents and sister, Jasmine. I attended West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, where I was proud to run on one of the finest cross-country and track teams in the state, learn things, and play cello in its excellent orchestra. Outside of school, I enjoy playing both cello and guitar in several other musical groups, volunteering as an EMT at my local first aid squad, and making smoothies and grilled cheese with my friends. I look forward to substantially expanding my culinary repertoire in India next year, as well as learning Hindi. I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Bridge Year Program and to explore the other side of the world. After what promises to be fantastic international experience, I plan to bike coast-to-coast upon returning to the United States.
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Posted Mar 23, 2012
In India, there's a tremendous respect for teachers. Though to them the career of teaching might lack much of the prestige of being an engineer or doctor, what seem like the Indian epitomes of success, individual teachers, or gurus, of all disciplines are held in very high regard. Whether it's learning a language, a trade, a form of art, or how to cook delicious Indian meals, there's a sort of quasi-master-and-apprentice relationship here that's largely forgotten in the West.
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Posted Feb 02, 2012
Hi All,
I'm working for World Literacy Canada -- which right off the bat is a name that inspires a lot of confusion here. In explanation, the organization is based here in Varanasi, India, but it receives much of its funding (and management) from the Canadian government's outreach programs. WLC is an NGO (non-governmental organization) that works to promote basic Hindi literacy ...
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Posted Nov 22, 2011
We have been in India for almost two months now, but as I expected would be the case, this past one has had the real substance of the trip. Kausani and Dehradun were great -- both relaxing and a good chance to learn some Hindi and adjust to living in India before coming here -- but Banaras is the real deal.
It's taken fully a month here, but I'm finally settling in and really starting to enjoy Banaras.