Ever since I was admitted into the International Development Studies Co-op program merely three years ago, I've been anxiously anticipating what I knew was going to be one of the most exhilarating, growth-inducing, daunting, yet fulfilling chapters of my life.
- What country am I going to?
- What's the weather going to be like?
- Can I adapt to the culture, and potential lack of consistent, reliable luxuries?
- And most importantly - what am I going to be doing?!
I imagined everywhere from Africa, to Asia, to Latin America.
Tropical climates to monsoons to dry arid air.
I thought about navigating winding city streets, inconsistent electricity, and the inability to drink water from the tap.
Pondered whether I would be working on education, health, gender, food security.
Where was I going?
The Silicon Valley of India - Bangalore, Karnataka!
What was the weather going to be like?
So beautiful! Comfortable all year round with some rainy monsoon seasons perfect for dancing in the rain :)
Could I adapt to the culture, and potential lack of consistent reliable luxuries?
This I shall find out! Lucky for me, I have an East Asian background, so having an innate respect for elders, calling everyone uncle and aunties, and drinking tea for all occasions is something I grew up doing.
But am I ever excited to ride a rickshaw and learn to speak some Hindi.
I'm even LUCKIER that I will be in a large city, in one of the most renowned tech-centres in the world.
This means continuing the slightly unhealthy attachment to my smartphone is completely feasible (and in my case… professionally relevant)!
I must admit though, not being able to drink tap water, and having to buy bottled is going to be difficult.
And although my room is far from extremely neat and well-organized, the litter is going to make me want to get involved with some neighbourhood Spot-Fixing: http://thealternative.in/society/the-ugly-indian-guide-to-fixing-spots-i...
What am I going to be doing?
You are looking at (the words of) a future Policy Associate for the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS). With this research institute, I'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the new and exciting field that is Informations, Communications, and Technology for Development, or ICT4D for short!
More specifically, CIS critically looks at the relationship and implications of the booming technological growth and innovation on society. I will be working on an exciting research project looking at Access to Knowledge in the Marketplace through the proliferation of pervasive technologies, specifically within the context of China and its new legal mechanisms. Although still wrapping my head around some complex, technical issues of law, intellectual property, technology, I am excited to support this project to the best of my abilities, which will even include my favorite - conference planning, for an global congress on intellectual property!
Will I be updating this blog regularly?
I will try my very best to share photos, thoughts, and experiences with those friends and family who may want to follow along my Indian journey! Part of my work will include writing blog posts for CIS so if you're interested in some of the research, do take a look there! :)
You are looking at (the words of) a future Policy Associate for the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS). With this research institute, I'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the new and exciting field that is Informations, Communications, and Technology for Development, or ICT4D for short!
More specifically, CIS critically looks at the relationship and implications of the booming technological growth and innovation on society. I will be working on an exciting research project looking at Access to Knowledge in the Marketplace through the proliferation of pervasive technologies, specifically within the context of China and its new legal mechanisms. Although still wrapping my head around some complex, technical issues of law, intellectual property, technology, I am excited to support this project to the best of my abilities, which will even include my favorite - conference planning, for an global congress on intellectual property!
Will I be updating this blog regularly?
I will try my very best to share photos, thoughts, and experiences with those friends and family who may want to follow along my Indian journey! Part of my work will include writing blog posts for CIS so if you're interested in some of the research, do take a look there! :)