In one week, I went from studying abroad in Namibia to spending time with my family in Arkansas to now living in Indianapolis. Throughout this week, so many emotions bubbled up inside me. It was a cycle of confusion, anger, sadness, and exhaustion. Culture shock overwhelmed me at times. I questioned the habits of the nation in which I grew up. Why are there so many aisle of cereal? Why are there so many ads on the radio? Why is there too much water over here and not enough over there? But then new questions arose when I traveled to Indy from Arkansas. Why are there so many one-ways? Why are there no grocery stores nearby? Why am I here? That last one has become the theme of this summer. Technically, I am an intern at Kheprw Institute in Indianapolis- however, I am still discovering what that means. 

Kheprw Institute is a Non-for-Profit organization that focuses on empowering marginalised communities to become self-sustainable. Throughout my experience interning here, I have developed even more questions than answers. The leaders host discussions each morning about critical themes- social capital, empowerment, entrepreneurship, climate, race, education- just to name a few. No other organization that I have worked at does this. 

In a way, this style reminds me of my time studying in Southern Africa. I find comfort in the fact that despite every other aspect of my life changing, at least here there is some similarity. I am not stuck in some 65 degree office wearing button-downs and fulfilling menial tasks. Instead, I am sitting on a front porch openly discussing economics with my supervisor. The culture here at Kheprw is as non-traditional as it is real. 

While I have encountered some bumps in the road- arriving later due to study abroad schedule, tearing a ligament in my foot, and navigating the city with a boot on- I have not let them hold me back. Even though this experience has been both mentally and physically challenging so far, I have learned to be patient with life, be patient with others, and most importantly be patient with myself. So now the only question on my mind is what’s next?