Daily Life & Special Events

After the break with Chris, I have returned to my daily routines, including teaching, volunteering, and spending time with my neighbors' family.

I am teaching at Fergusson College. I have taught a number of class sessions in Developmental Psychology (undergrad), Cognitive Psychology (undergrad), and Research Methodology (masters level), as well as presented three different sessions of a Faculty Workshop on teaching and learning for all faculty on campus. Because Fergusson College (FC) does not have an Education department, I have taken sessions within Psychology. I work hard to engage students using learner-centered pedagogies, despite a tendency in India to depend heavily on lectures and on high-stakes exam preparation. I have gotten positive feedback from students and faculty alike, so I feel that the teaching has been a success. Since students have exams coming up, I will complete my teaching in a week. Here are some photos of the campus, faculty workshops, and one of my classes

On campus, hot day!

Main Gate

Fergusson College Building

Fergusson College building

View from a college building

Flyer about my workshop

Faculty workshop

1 of 3 faculty workshops

They're having a great time!

faculty workshop

A masters class I taught

I have also continued volunteering with the girls at ASHA, centered on storybooks and English language. Last week, a girl brought in a book on Tom Thumb, so I read that to them and, together, we re-created the story on the board to write in their notebooks. I told them their homework was to go home and read the story to their family. 😀 (We'll see tomorrow if any them actually did so!)

I have a handful of big events coming up! On this upcoming Friday, I have been invited as the Chief Guest at an Annual Day for an international k-12 school. I am expected to give a 10-15 minute speech (gulp, guess I better get working on that!) and I will wear a sari for the occasion.

I have also been asked to be a member of a panel at a book release event on April 2, to talk about my Fulbright experience for about 10-15 minutes (gulp, guess I better get working on that!). I also hope to do workshops for staff/faculty at two different programs in the area -- one is a science center, and the other is an inclusive school for disability.

I've had recent outings with my neighbors, one to a wonderful new museum that features interactive activities, lakeside landscaped sculpture gardens, and beautiful exhibits of art and artifacts. It was top notch and I would love to go back another time to see more! You can see from a photo that the girls and I made our own printed bags. The little one stamped her name with great care and effort... entirely backwards. 😂 (None of us said a word... It was a work of love.)

This morning, we walked up a nearby hill (different from previous walks) to see views of Pune. After the hike, we popped into a nearby small shop that exclusively sells mangoes. I came home and immediately one -- best mango I've ever had!

My last bit of news is (almost) as crazy as adopting a kitten! Are you ready for this?

I heard about an opportunity and reached out -- and I've been selected to act in a play in Delhi on April 7! There will be two shows on the 7th (plane trip for a few days). Because my small part only interacts with the lead/director/writer, I can do most of my rehearsing via zoom. The play, called Fontwala, is an ensemble Hindi version of a play that originally opened in New York (see link just below). My part is (mostly) in English, but I do get to say a couple of small Hindi lines. 😀 Fontwala is about language, identity, technology, and -- yes -- fonts. Read this article (click for link) from Broadway World for more information on the show in NY.

I'm happy to report that our little Nini (Narangi) is thriving! She is curious and into trouble pretty much all the time, unless she is snuggling next to, or on top of, me. Her favorite toys are a rough-surfaced cat-ball and a stuffy named Coco (a gift from the neighbor's 5 year old).

I've got my work cut out for me this week, what with preparing classes, writing two speeches, memorizing play lines, and entertaining (and snuggling with) a happy little kitty!