Privilege: Curse or a Boon?

One striking difference between my experience and the experience of young people in Bagar (I'm not informed enough to generalize about all of India) is that I grew up thinking that I should choose a profession that I'm passionate about. My high school guidance counselor had us take career assessment tests so that we would be aware of our skills and strengths and would be able to choose a career accordingly. I don't remember what my assessment results were.

The kids I work with are coming from a very different place. For one thing, their idea of career options is extremely limited. Second, they tend to gravitate towards options in which other people in their community (their role models) have found success. Therefore, if one person becomes a chartered accountant (CA), the other young people in the neighborhood will strive for the same.

One colleague posed the question, "is choosing your profession based on what you are passionate about a privilege?" As much as we cringed, the majority of the people involved in the conversation - myself included - immediately agreed.

Money isn't the only thing that affords this privilege, however. One thing I've learned is that, aside from money, the most significant difference between me and the Amit Katewas or Umesh Tailors of the world is the fact that I have a strong support network that is going to question any decision I consider and support any decision I make.

But even with this privilege, will I find what I'm passionate about? Or will I jump from job to job, becoming a spokesperson for modern time's confused generation? I don't know. Are unrealistic or unreachable expectations side effects of "privilege"?

I came across the following article from the NY Times, that explores how students from top American schools pick their first jobs. It attempts to challenge the notion that privilege permits the soul-searching required to land that "perfect" job. But, in reality, financial restrictions that students from rural India face are on a completely different plane than the social restrictions that the "privileged" need to consider.

As usual, lots of rambling and no conclusion. Good night.

Images of Summer Camp

I have been meaning to post some photos from summer camp. The following images are from a session that Zainab (an intern with Source for Change) led. The kids had to stage short skits using a dupatta, a broom, a tray, a few balls, a stool, and a newspaper.

The planning stage

Sanjit practicing for when he joins the army. Note that his gun resembles a broom.


Naveen is crying for his food. By the looks of it, everyone else was having fun!

Another test, but [most] campers pass with flying colors

As I walked back from the B. Ed. Hostel, I noticed three boys sitting at the top of the stadium steps. They were obviously trying to appear conspicuous, so I went to see what was up. That's when I heard the unmistakable sound of a glass bottle. The boys had decided it made sense to drink. In the middle of a Rajasthani summer day. In the open. At a high traffic time.

We have told the campers numerous times that any bad behavior is not only a reflection of them, but a reflection of the summer camp and GDL. And today, the actions of one camper and his friends proved my point. We brought the issues to the attention of our "local guardian," who was able to use this and other incidents as proof that we are creating more trouble than good.

But my resolve has not been shaken. I have seen changes in our students. I don't know what they do at home, but I DO know that today they were engaged in a debate about whether hockey or cricket should be the national sport. And the entire debate was in English! I DO know that a student recognized that someone had information about becoming a chartered accountant and, after class, approached that person for help!

No one can tell me that nothing has changed.

One rotton apple...

...highlights how good the other apples are!

A student put tobacco in a bottle of water today. Yea, I didn't get it either. I have my suspicions of who did it, but haven't made any accusations yet. I have told the class that until the prankster reveals himself (I'm assuming it wasn't Nidhi), everyone in the class loses out on computer time.

I mean, boys will be boys, right? Doesn't mean I have to take it. I'm pretty proud of how I handled it - no yelling or screaming.

But I still don't know how to process it? I mean, one of my biggest complaints has been that the kids aren't creative? I'd never heard of polluting the classroom's water before!

But the situation isn't all bad. In the past few days, there have been many indications that all the students, save one or two (my suspects), have come a long way since the beginning of the camp. Today, Ragvindra asked me for permission to leave camp early because he had to go to Jhunjhunu to pick something up for the house. I asked him if it was absolutely necessary that he went, but in the end said he could go. Naturally, I was surprised when I walked into class and he was sitting in his usual seat in the front row! I feel so badly for him. The whole tobacco in water incident made part of the English class useless.

And in another case, when a few of the local boys were bothering one of my interns, the Baktavpura Boys came to her rescue. Such chivalrous gentlemen! Or at least they're getting there.