Laughs, Longing, and Lizards: Seven Entries, Endless Lessons

By Ariana Leandry ‘23, Syiah Kuala University Fellow

In anticipation of beginning my Shansi Fellowship, I made the pre-departure decision to buy a notebook. While I wasn't one for journaling before, stepping into this new chapter of my life made me recognize the unique circumstances that lay ahead. This journal wasn't just a personal reflection tool; it was also a means to recount my time abroad with friends and family in the future. Setting a goal for myself, I committed to writing in the journal at least once a day – whether it was a succinct line or a full-blown story, I promised myself that nothing would be too trivial.