I’ve avoided writing this post about the class because I didn’t like the class initially. At first, I felt like I wasn’t learning anything new, but once we began discussing the case studies and having guest speakers I began to see where the class was going.

My favorite part had to be the group project. A week ago if you asked me whether or not I enjoyed the project I would have shouted, “No!” But, being back in Lowell with a break from the course I realize how valuable that project was. We were given the ability to look at and work with start-ups or already established companies, listen to their business processes and strategies and give them recommendations. Usually you have to have years of experience and credentials to get anyone to listen to what you have to say, but this class gave us that chance. These companies are going to look at what we recommend and then take some of our ideas and implement them.

The hardest part about the course had to be working with my companies CEO. I think going forward, when start-ups are being involved they should be handled the same way the company projects were handled. Meet for the first two days, then given the liberty to work alone. With that freedom or separation I think our reports would have been easier to compose and come to an agreement on what we felt needed to be done going forward.

8:30 AM

The day before yesterday, Austin tried some wicked good Ice-cream. As a lactose intolerant person, she was completely fine. So she and I, the scientists that we clearly are, deemed ice-cream from India perfectly fine to eat for these three reasons:

1. The Chai tea is made from Buffalo milk, so clearly the ice-cream must be made from the same thing.
2. Since Austin tried the Ice-cream and nothing happened, Buffalo’s milk must be better than cow’s milk.
3. Since we are both lactose intolerant, coincidentally we should have the same symptoms.

Turns out despite the glaring similarities between Austin and I, we aren’t twins. I feel like I took a ride on the worst roller coaster of my life.

11:41 PM

I spoke too soon; Austin and I are clearly twins because we both feel like, “all of the things” are wrong. We also had chicken last night so we can’t tell whether or not it’s from the chicken or the Ice-cream. Moral of the story: Don’t experiment when you know you aren’t a genius, despite popular belief.

I won’t be eating anything dairy or “non veg” until my feet touch America soil. Until then I’ll scream for… Puri or garlic naan.

I’m a people person; I enjoy sitting down and getting to know everyone and learning their stories. Last night I had a really good time with two of the Indian student Siddarth and Nilay. I didn’t hang out with them both at once but I had a “moment” with both of them.

Nilay is in my group and I spend time with him every day, but last night it was great to hang out with him and the others without having to talk about Campus Cloud. First we went to the mall and walked around looking for bracelets then we went to dinner. Nothing ground breaking happened but I really just enjoyed spending time with everyone. Every day is better than the last and I’m seriously dreading the day we have to leave India.

In the night Sid and I talked about the thing we love the most, Reading. My love for reading began when I was twelve, after my school took me to get my first library card. Talking with another reader is great but connecting with another reader that actually reads what you like to read, is even better. The amount of pleasure that I was oozing last night was ridiculous, but talking to someone about getting lost in a book and them finishing your sentence never happens.

Overall, I’m glad I came to India.