July 2, 2019
Well, the SIE Sprint just ended. For the past couple of days, the group and I have been getting some much-needed R&R in Amed, a laid-back diving town with black sand beaches and amazing live music. What I’ve realized about the Sprint is that I wasn’t stressed about the work itself, instead, it was the complexity of the issues we were trying tackle that was consuming my sanity. In the end, however, the Sprint offered experience, explained empathy, and exceeded my expectations in every aspect. I was put in a group with one other FSU student and three students from Undiksha University. Together, we learned about the problems shaping and plaguing Bali. Not only did these students offer unique insights, but they also became my friends. After we spent a day interviewing locals and government organizations, we went to local restaurant on the beach. As we walked up to the restaurant, the sun set slowly beneath the clouds, an inevitable motion that catalyzed a beautiful eruption of colors. We ordered a hearty amount of Nasi Ikan, or grilled fish, and shared like a family. We laughed and ate as the night settled in. As I look back on the time I’ve spent here, I can easily say that night was one of my favorite experiences. Honestly, just getting to know the people around me has been amazing. When I first signed up for this program, I was scared. Besides one other person, I didn’t know anyone else going on the trip. I didn’t know what the people would be like or if they would even like me. But now as the program comes to an end, the only thing I’m scared about is the idea of not seeing these people again, especially the Undiksha students. Because among other things, this trip has made me taught me that time is forgetful. One moment you can be in Bali, and the next moment on a plane back home. The events of times are processed only in the moments they happen and then forgotten, but we can remember. I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, or the places I’ve been. I will remember them, until they come again.
- Chase
Comments