We built trust, shared stories, and grew resilient together — facing new places, new cultures, new foods, and unpredictable weather as a team.

Every summer, I try to do something different. But somehow, my work always circles back to the things I love most: travel, social work, and digital media. This summer, I had the privilege of serving as an International Team Leader for the 360Plus Leadership Collective 2025, a program that’s especially close to my heart because I was once a participant myself back in 2018. That trip was also my first time traveling internationally, away from home.

My journey with 360Plus has been nothing short of transformative. It shaped me into a more responsible global citizen, a curious learner, and a more confident leader. Now, years later, I found myself on the other side — mentoring a new group of future leaders and sharing both the lessons and experience I picked up along the way. Being able to contribute to this organization in so many ways fills me with pride and a deep sense of satisfaction.

This summer took me across India — Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore — for three weeks of non-stop learning and adventure. Our days started early, packed with activities on climate citizenship, cultural exchange, ethics, values, and respect. We were a beautifully diverse group that grew from complete strangers into lifelong friends.

No two days were alike. The students were constantly on the move, learning from their leaders, from each other, and from the world outside — in city streets, in quiet corners, and in the middle of forests. They were picking up invaluable lessons about leadership, sustainability, and living with intention.

And me? My role as a leader was equal parts mentor, guide, friend, photographer, problem-solver, and cheerleader. I took care of them 24/7, captured their candid moments, shared my own 360Plus journey, laughed with them, ate with them, and occasionally danced like nobody was watching. It was a big responsibility — but one I carried with joy and, on most days, grace.

As an alum, watching them brought back waves of nostalgia. I remembered my own first-time experiences as they had theirs. I comforted them when they were homesick, celebrated their wins, and joined in on late-night sing-alongs. We built trust, shared stories, and grew resilient together — facing new places, new cultures, new foods, and unpredictable weather as a team.

When the final day came, I was both relieved and wistful. The past three weeks have been some of the most hectic, fulfilling, and challenging days I’ve had in a long time. From memorizing 34 names to figuring out each student’s needs and interests, from giving medicine when someone fell ill to offering encouragement when someone felt low, it was leadership in its rawest form.

And I wasn’t alone. I had the most incredible team by my side:

• Tabish, our Travel Maestro
• Arbeena, our Wellness Guru
• Sridar, our Career Coach
• Mohit, our Learning Buddy
• Eleena, our Reflection Mentor
• Isha, the Heart-to-Heart Friend
• Gaurang, our Clarity Coach
• Divy, our Connection Guide
• Subhara, our Mind Care Expert
• Cedric, the Energy Captain

To the students, they were our front-line heroes. To me, they were the backbone that made this program such a success. I’m beyond grateful to have worked alongside each of them.

Now that I’m home, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what these three weeks taught me and reminded me of — including:

• Step out of your comfort zone with curiosity and an open mind.
• Be mindful of your surroundings.
• Values aren’t just words — live them.
• Appreciate both similarities and differences.
• Learn from everyone, regardless of age or background.
• Stay strong in tough moments and adapt like clay.
• Keep calm, stay positive, and prepare for the unexpected.
• And most importantly — do your best to make the most out of every situation.