Global Education :
Global Education :
High School Seniors Reflect on Orphanage Experience
Copy & Photography provided by Mount Madonna School
From the unconditional love received from the children that greeted them at Sri Ram Orphanage , to hearing many personal stories of struggle and triumph , to meeting inspiring leaders who are working to preserve important cultures and traditions , the Mount Madonna School ( MMS ) seniors experienced an exciting variety of enriching moments during their recent two-week learning journey to India .
They saw amazing sights like the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple of Amritsar ; and engaged with Indian students from a wide variety of backgrounds , including rural and urban schools , the Sri Ram Ashram and the Tibetan Childrens ’ Village in Dharamsala . As they interacted with people from such varied circumstances , the MMS students learned a great deal about themselves , as is evidenced by the writings they shared via the trip blog .
The learning journey was led by Values in World Thought program leader Ward Mailliard and his teaching partner and blog editor , Shannon Kelly (’ 92 ). Other staff members included videographer Devin Kumar (’ 06 ), chaperone Hannah Meade (’ 08 ), graphic artist Trevor Forry , (’ 09 ), and Santa Cruz Sentinel photographer Shmuel Thaler .
Their story was shared by thousands of blog viewers from around the world who were captivated by Thaler ’ s beautiful photos and Kumar ’ s revealing video clips chronicling the group ’ s experiences . Student writings focused on thoughtprovoking interviews with Samdhong Rinpoche , former Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile ; Sam Singh , founder of the Pardada Pardadi Vocational School for Girls ; Rinchen Khando , founder of the Dolma Ling Nunnery ; and His Holiness , the 14th Dalai Lama .
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The following are examples from the India blog illustrating some of the depth of the students ’ experiences .
There they were . Their smiling faces finally bringing our long journey by train to an end . The ecstatic children of Sri Ram Ashram ran alongside our bus as we pulled into the orphanage . While exiting the bus , we were instantly greeted by the embraces of many little children . There were no barriers between us and the new faces staring up into our eyes . Each of them possessed an air of innocence that made deep connections instantly attainable . One by one we exchanged names and at that point , it was time for play . We were openly accepted into all of their activities such as playing ultimate frisbee with the older kids and swinging on swings with the younger ones . These simple games brought much joy to both us and the kids . It is experiences like these that humble a person . It is amazing to be surrounded by people that have the ability to take you from your materialistic , stressful world and pull you toward theirs . These kids were able to aid me in succeeding immediately in something that I have struggled to achieve on my own : they showed me how to live in the present . – Sanika Lakka
Looking out the window on the train ride from Delhi to Haridwar , I watched the world transform around us . The landscape fading into a consistent and vivid shade of green ; the level terrain giving way to hills , gullies , and wetlands . Trees and flowers became more numerous and showcased the lands ’ natural beauty . Villages grew farther apart and seemed to become more hospitable . Though there were still crowds and trash , the brick buildings were more even , better maintained , and spaced out to allow some breathing room … About twenty minutes outside of Haridwar , I caught a glimpse of jungle and mountains . My heart raced and excitement rushed through my veins with every hurried beat . I had a feeling of arriving home after a long journey .
At the ashram , the kids welcomed us eagerly . Despite a slight language barrier , we quickly made friends and within an hour , I was already asked when I would return to the ashram . Most of us were grabbed by one to three of the younger children who held our hands and showed us their home . Later , we played soccer and frisbee with the older kids and spent a good deal of time eating aloo tikkis , drinking chai , and socializing . I have never before met such an outstanding collection of individuals so full of life and love . Each one was
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