While the other incoming SIHI students are all at McMaster University in Canada preparing for their exams, I am a SIHI participant who is currently volunteering in Herbertpur, only a few minutes away from the SIHI hostel. Temperatures hit about 30 degrees in the day time and cool down a little at night, but the plains are slowly heating up and by the time SIHI starts, temperatures could soar into the high 30s. I find that the best way to battle the heat is to always keep a bottle of cool water near me and drink continuously. It is also important to cover any areas of your body that are easily burned – I’ve found that my neck gets scorched quite quickly.
As I’m sure everyone is aware, living in India and completing the SIHI core module requires a certain level of physical fitness. I am training for the core module by biking several kilometers every day, and I have also joined a weightlifting gym (yes, they have those in India too!). It is important to start training early and consistently, despite distractions such as essays and exams. The next step is to prepare yourself mentally – ask yourself honestly, why is that I am going on the SIHI? Perhaps it is to discover something new about yourself, or perhaps it is just to go on an amazing adventure. Whatever it is, you must prepare yourself so that you are ready to achieve your goals without small botherations holding you back. Some mosquito bites, a different style of toileting, and the lack of TV are minor problems that you will encounter, but if you do not prepare yourself mentally then they can seem much worse than they actually are.
Exactly 30 days left before the SIHI – let the count down begin!
Raman Kumar
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