University of Florida and University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chapters are traveling to INDIA for the next 6 weeks to work on sanitation, health, and women empowerment within different communities of the Mewat District. We are partnering with the Sehgal Foundation and the “Clean India” Initiative. We will be working with a council of women in the different surrounding communities to help implement latrines and teach different sanitation and health procedures in the communities. The new latrines give the women a safe and sanitary place in the community where they don’t need to be afraid of attack to then help empower themselves in the community.

TODAY we leave on the 25 hour journey to INDIAAAAAAA! Below is an introduction to all the intern on this project! We will continue to post as the journey progresses.

 

Hello everyone! My name is Estefania Martinez and I’m a second year student at the University of Florida double majoring in political science and economics. I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia and moved to the United States five years ago switching between the states of California and Florida. Through out these five years, I’ve gotten the privilege of traveling to different countries around the globe. All this traveling, including moving, has opened my eyes to see the world the very complex way it is, but it has also made me realize that humans are humans no matter what color, size, religion or background. I am very excited to have been chosen to travel all the way to India to help out in this project any way I can. What I’m most excited about it that I know, for sure, that I will learn about the culture and traditions in India as well as a whole lot about sustainability and empowerment under the guidance of the Sehgal Foundation. This adventure is definitely one for the books, and I have a feeling that with the amazing team of students I’m going we’re going to make a lasting impact in the rural communities of India!

Hello! My name is Veronica. I’m extremely excited to get down and dirty in our community sanitation and women empowerment project in Haryana, India! A little bit about myself: I am passionate about sustainability, making the world a better place, international development, social issues, meeting new people, adventure and travel. My past three years at the University of Florida have helped me grow personally and professionally into the person I am now and have given me some amazing opportunities, such as this one! I am eager to see how my experiences and knowledge can contribute to this project and how this project impacts the bigger issue of health and women’s rights in rural India. I am also curious to see how this experience will impact me. Here’s to immersing myself in a new culture, gaining knowledge about development projects, building relationships with the community members as well as our partner organization, and once again stepping outside of my comfort zone. Peace and Love, Vero.

Greetings to all! My name is Natalia Cornejo. I recently graduated the University of Florida from Sociology with an interest in family youth and community science and international development and humanitarian assistance (mouthful, I know). My family is originally from Peru, and even though I was born and raised in the States, I was also lucky to have the opportunity to live in Peru for a couple of years. The opportunity was truly eyeopening, giving me a broader outlook and perspective on life, people, culture, creating consciousness about social issues, as well as triggering my interest in helping others secure a safe, healthy, and happy lifestyle. During my time abroad, I participated in various community development projects, all of which further fueled my passion for international development. I enjoy learning from new experiences and I know the people I meet and the experiences I gain in this journey will continue to help shape the person I am, and working to become. While in India, I look forward to working hard, having fun, learning from others and myself, and simply enjoying the little moments. All is well!

Hello readers! My name is Tommy and I’m going into my second year as a Construction Management major with a focus in Sustainable Development at the University of Florida. I’ve always had a

yearning to travel the world and experience the everyday life of others amongst and beside different cultures, environments, and backgrounds. This trip to India and our partnership with the

Sehgal Foundation was such a golden opportunity that I had to get a hold of for exactly this reason. I’m overwhelming excited and deeply humbled to be able to learn and undoubtedly grow from the teachings of our mentors, the local residents, and the rich Indian culture and history that presents itself with every building, monument, and individual we may encounter. As I’m going through my own Nourish journey in search of knowledge and insight I’m optimistic that our team, under the guidance of the Sehgal Foundation, will be able to develop a deeper understanding of rural empowerment and hopefully create a long lasting impact that will benefit the lives of those living in Haryana. I’m fully expecting to walk away from these next two months and look back on it as a milestone in my life, such a unique and formative experience and I’m glad to go through it with those who share my same passion for this work. India will definitely be an adventure to say the least!

Hey Everyone!!! My name is Madison Cherry and I am a rising 4th year at the University of Florida. I am currently studying Sociology and Political Science with minors in Costume Design and International Development and Humanitarianism. I am so excited to get to work on the project this year as the project leader. I have always had a huge love for traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures and this project lets me experience all of that but also work on a project I am extremely passionate about. I have been involved with Nourish International for the last 3 years and the projects have always been my favorite part and I am so happy I finally get to experience one and really help to spread and establish the Nourish mission in the world. I can’t wait to see how this project impacts the community we are working in along with the chapter itself at the University of Florida and myself as an individual. I hope to continue to work with International Develop and Human Rights in the future and I know that this project will help to start on that aspiration! Can’t wait to be in INDIA working with the amazing Sehgal Foundation!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you everyone for reading!!!! Talk to you soon 🙂