"Hi, I’m Jana! I’m deeply passionate about traveling, reading, taking photos, and most importantly, learning from the world around me. The Culture and Identity Envoy program provides an opportunity for me to immerse myself in a new cultural environment and develop a deeper understanding of life beyond the United States. I’m driven by the desire to connect with the everyday experiences of people in the places I visit and to learn from the diverse perspectives abroad. I feel a strong responsibility to make the most of this experience, not only for my personal growth but also to honor the sacrifices my family has made for me to pursue study abroad. Growing up in a multicultural, Hindu-Indian environment, I learned to navigate spaces where my culture wasn’t always understood. Explaining why I’m a vegetarian or dealing with teasing about my culture was challenging, especially as a child. Many immigrant children, like myself, feel embarrassed about their cultural differences, despite how deeply they influence our identities. However, over time, I came to realize that being Indian is an inseparable part of who I am. It’s an important aspect of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of it. I’ve experienced the beauty of tradition through my Indian heritage, from the language and food to the festivals and values passed down through generations. My visits to India have been life-changing for me. It’s a completely different world, and a part of my heart belongs there. At the same time, I’ve learned to hold onto who I am while adapting to spaces where my culture is unfamiliar. These experiences led to my curiosity about how others express and experience their own cultural identities. In the fall, I’ll be studying at Temple Rome, where I’ll take subjects like the Italian language, The History of Art in Rome, and Race and Diversity in the Ancient Mediterranean. I’m very excited to explore these topics and to experience them firsthand by living in a city that is so rich in history. I also hope to engage with the local community through the many community service opportunities offered. While in Italy, I want to reflect on what it means to carry my identity into new spaces. I’m particularly interested in how immigrant and minority communities in Rome maintain cultural roots while adapting to a different social landscape. Having grown up balancing multiple cultural expectations, I hope to find parallels, ask questions, and better understand how cultural identity evolves in unfamiliar environments. Through this program, I hope to contribute thoughtful reflections on my experiences for others who may wonder what it’s like to be in another country as a minority. I’m excited to fully experience Rome and deepen my understanding of myself in the process."