A few years ago, during my first solo travel abroad, across Turkey, the above discovery led to a subsequent one: the perfect antidote to a monotonous life is acknowledging that there is a vast, unknown world out there, and setting out to explore it. If you have ever danced with locals on the streets of a country that is not your own, or have prepared a traditional meal for a foreigner using your grandmother's secret recipe, then you know that nothing can compare to the thrill and excitement of that moment when a stranger becomes a friend. Geographical boundaries often define the confines of our mind and transcending them to embrace the unknown is liberating. By stepping out of your comfort zone in this way, you can unleash unlimited possibilities and discover the most fundamental joys.
Four months ago, my love for traveling, my desire to grow as a nonprofit professional and my belief in the value of stepping out of my comfort zone led me to pack my bags and move to the United States. I arrived with two suitcases, a year's worth of Indian spices and an open mind, nervous but excited to make a new place my home for a year, and new friends for a lifetime. I had been a citizen diplomat long before I knew it was called that, and I was about to spend a year discovering and sharing the joys of being one.
Every day as the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy, I learn about new ways in which organizations and individuals are facilitating intercultural dialogue and understanding. These powerful stories of cooperation and friendship inspire me in a world where stories of war, intolerance and conflict are so common. My own personal journey has been enriching and exciting. Each conversation and interaction has taught me a little more about the world and myself. It has led me to realize that citizen diplomacy is about wondering, learning and understanding. It is about challenging our opinions and overcoming our prejudices. It is about realizing that we exist in an interdependent world and that participating in an exchange of ideas and experiences is the only way to move forward as a global community. More than anything, it is about having a whole lot of fun and making new friends.
Insightful conversations with new friends (from over 30 countries!), St. Patty's day in the American Midwest, salsa dancing with my colleagues, enjoying Spanish Sangria and Dutch Stroopwafels at the EU Embassies with other fellows and cooking a big fat Mughlai meal for American friends are just few highlights from the past four months.
One event in particular best exemplifies the life of a citizen diplomat. On a beautiful weekend in March, I played Holi, the Indian festival of colors, at a Hindu temple with American friends, and the next day I ate a traditional Easter lunch and went on a scavenger hunt with a Christian family. The simple exchange of ideas and cultures over these two days was wonderful and truly special.
I know the remaining months will bring many more such amazing experiences, each unfamiliar and refreshing in its own way. I closely relate to USCCD’s mission and truly believe in the importance of what we're trying to accomplish.
Talking to someone from another country or culture will make you uncomfortable. I can tell you from experience that means it's going to be great! So go ahead. Get out today and say Hola… Namaste… Bonjour… Ni hao… Shalom… Hello… to the world!
*This blog was originally written for, and posted on, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy's website, along with this video from the first few days of my fellowship.
