This month I feel lucky to have met up with several former CASI students in Philadelphia, D.C., and New York. It has been a true pleasure to hear all the wonderful things they have been up to and are planning for the year ahead.

One thing is for sure, spending time in India as a twenty-something-year-old changes you forever. It is so exciting to hear how many CASI students are returning to India or are itching to find a meaningful way to get back.

What do we all share? The understanding that disconnecting from our lives in the U.S. forces us to learn by sitting quietly and listening, asking questions, savoring shared moments, and jumping in head first when it makes sense. During my six years in India I know I honed some important life skills including my thirst for adventure, passion for community, and determination to be present.

Here are some photos from our summer gatherings in Philadelphia, D.C., and New York. And yes, that is a pitcher of mango lassi on the table at Rice and Spice at 43rd and Chestnut.

Looking forward to welcoming back the 2013 CASI Interns and Travel Award Winners in the fall!

CASI in Philadelphia: Sudi Reddy, W ’14, Christina Wu, C ’14, Aparna Wilder, C ’02, Natalie Volpe, C ’13, Juliana Di Giustini (missing from photo Shrestha Singh, C ’12, Shikha Bhattacharjee, LAW ’13)

CASI in D.C.: Rahul Reddy, C ’09, Aparna Wilder, C ’02, Ignacio Crespo, C ’10 (missing from photo Sasha Riser-Kositsky, C ’10)

CASI in NYC: Sudeep De, SEAS ’12 Natalie Volpe, C ’13, Sarah Souli, C ’11, Shumita Basu, C ’13, Parth Shah, CW ’12