TED Talk Update

Hi everyone! 

It's been a while since I've written any posts. . . School has been super busy as winter break is getting closer and closer. All the teachers want to finish everything before the break. In the meantime, in my Public Speaking class, we've been working on TED talks. But before that, we have to write the speech that goes with it. What do you guys think about the drafts? 

I believe that one of the strengths of my speech is that it a topic that is different and unusual, but still relatable. Travel is something that everyone has done, and the experiences that people gain from travel includes such a large range. For example, everyone can probably think of one trip that they were forced to go on, or was just downright irritating. And because I can help them through their journey, I have caught their attention from the start. Not many people have been lucky enough to to have had the same experiences I had, and learned as much as I did. Going to India, after all, isn't some small task. But because everyone had traveled somewhere, somehow, they can relate to my feelings and thoughts.

One weakness I have in my speech is that the length could turn some people off. Although the material is quite interesting, after a while hearing the same person talk about the same thing, can be a little boring. To try to solve this problem, I think I will try to make my voice, less monotone, and more flowy to keep it more like a conversation than an monologue.

One thing that is pretty easy for me is that I can talk about my travels, very easily because it is something I enjoy very much. Sharing about one of my passions with others is effortless for me when talking causally, but making it seem unrehearsed when actually it is written before is much harder. For this project, we are allowed to use a teleprompter, where the speech will be projected onto the screen in front of us. Our teacher will be the one adjusted the speed of the speech and anything else necessary. When I read my speech with the teleprompter, I didn't realize that the teacher would change the speed according to my pace, so I was trying to keep up with the speech thinking that the teacher would define the pace. That is one think I need to work out; making sure my speech sounds the way I want it to using the teleprompter. 

I learned a lot from watching others read their speeches. Other than the actual content of the speech, the way that they structured their speeches and how they read their speech was very interesting. The structure helped me evaluate if the structure I had, was effective enough for the audience to listen to. Also, the way that the speakers read their speeches made a big difference. The things that they were complimented about and the things they were criticized about help me look at my speech to see how I could improve.  

Well, that's it for this post, I'll see you next time on Internal Utopias!

How to Travel . . . The Right Way

Close your eyes and think of a place that you wish you were at right at this moment. Anyplace in the whole wide world. It could  be somewhere you've been, or somewhere you want to go, but wherever you're thinking of, go to that place. Can you imagine what you're seeing? Think of the food, what you're wearing, who you're with, all of it. It's your happy place. Everyone has one. Stay in your place for one more second. Ok, open your eyes. If I told you that you could actually go to that place, right now, this instant, you would probably have to travel, in a car, on a plane, maybe even on a boat. And that probably seems like such a hassle but that's what you have to do. And it doesn't have to be as bad as you think.

Traveling was a part of my childhood, and it is still a big part of my life today. It has enriched my life and I have learned things about people and places that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. My extended family does not live in the United States, so traveling was the only solution. Imagine spending a full 24 hours or more traveling in airports, airplanes, and whatever is in between. My first plane ride was 18 hours long when I was only six months old. I sat on my parents' laps the whole time, with a special seat belt. I was going to India to see the rest of my family for the first time. To this day, I have been to India eight times, have spent countless hours in planes, and formed a few tips that will make traveling more enjoyable.

My first tip for you is that you should be prepared for anything. And by at I don't just mean delays and cancellations but EVERYTHING.  Both good and bad. Before you leave your house, make sure that you have your tickets, passports, money, travelers checks and anything else you might need. I suggest that making a list will be quite helpful. Also, wear the right kind of clothing. Something comfortable depending on your destination. Then add layers because you never know how cold or warm the stations, airports, planes, and trains may be. Two essential things that serious travelers must have is their own blanket and neck supporter. Both of these things make the experience of sitting down for extended periods of time, more enjoyable and comfortable. Because who actually wants to use airline blankets; they come out of a package for goodness sake. Lastly, know all your information. Be familiar, if not memorize it. Write it down in a few places so if you lose one, you have back-ups. From what platform/terminal you're going to be on, to the airline/train's name, to when you have to be there, it's all important. And don't forget how you're going to get back home.


The last time I went to India, we stopped a few times before we actually got to our destination. We started at Newark International Airport, flew to Brussels, Belgium, then on to New Delhi, India, where we transferred to the domestic terminal, and caught a flight to Cochin, Kerala, India. My home away from home. I made sure that I memorized our route, the airlines, all the essentials. I packed an extra change of clothes in case something happened to what I was wearing. My carry-on was filled with things I could do if a flight was delayed or we had to wait. But I was ready. Being preparing made me feel better and more ready for anything that my journey could throw at me. Preparedness is a vital clue to the secret to a successful and enjoyable trip.

The next tip is that all travelers should stay occupied. During the whole trip, there should never be a dull moment to let your mind wander. Long distance car, train, or even plane trips are the perfect time to catch up on something you've been meaning to do. Whether it's catching up your favorite TV series on Netflix, or reading a good mystery novel, it is essential that you have something to do. There may be time in between connecting flights. Find out how much time you have in advance to help you prepare for the wait. And if you're traveling with companions, make sure they also have something to do, or you will be sorry. Talk to your best friend on the phone, meet some new people at the airport, the list is endless.


During my last trip to India, my family had 10 hours between our two flights. Ten hours to do nothing. We were waiting for my aunt and her family who would accompany us for the rest of the trip. When we arrived at the domestic terminal, we sat down in the entrance area. Let me help you picture it. After walking through the automatic doors, on our left was three to four baggage claims with no baggage and were resting at a stand still. To our right were four long rows of chairs, back to back, made of faux leather with armrests in between each seat. Very long story short, we waited. . . And waited. . .  And waited. We must've waited there for at least four hours doing absolutely nothing. We would look at the clock thinking that it had been at least 45 minutes, only to see it had only been 15. It was torture. We couldn't even sleep; the seats were downright uncomfortable. After 12 hours on plane, all you want is to sleep. Trust me on this one. But, on the way back, we again had 10 hours of break but this time it went much faster. We waited in the new, modern international terminal. We ate food, read books, played on the computer, looked for gifts for our friends, and even slept. When we had to board our flight, I almost didn't want to because the wait was that much fun. Staying occupied is also significant part of really appreciating the voyage to its fullest potential. The 10 hour wait on the way back was also quite long but memorable for a much better reason.
My last tip for  you is to relax and enjoy. Even if you're taking the trip because of business reasons, forget about the business part, if you can, and enjoy the journey. One of my favorite things to do in airports is go window-shopping. The airports are usually a great example of what the culture is like outside the building. The clothes, souvenirs, and anything else found in the shops will probably be new and interesting to anyone looking to explore. Which brings me to another aspect of enjoyment. Food! Although, most airports have your usual, Pizza Hut and such, take a chance and try something new. Because airport is sometimes the only part of the country that visitors see, the people will make sure that only the best is served for their tourists. Sure, you may not like it, but you tried something new, and it may even become a favorite of yours. Another pointer, look out the windows. If you're waiting for your flight to arrive at your terminal, looking out of the window is a great way to lose yourself in the unknown worlds around you. Observe the planes, or people working on the tarmac, or glimpse the city around you. When you're done, with that people watch. Now, I don't be a stalker and stare at people abut casually look at the people walking, and bustling about. Find people who are taking the same trip as you. Make stories about your surroundings. See where your travels take you, meet new people, and just go with flow. Whatever happens, take it in stride, and take it as a blessing.

During that horrid 10 hour wait, I tried to keep enjoying the fact that I was in India. And soon enough I would be home. I ate one of my favorite dishes, dosas, flat, lentil pancakes with chutney and curry. I bought souvenirs for my friends and teachers. I played on the computers that we could use in terminals. I slept. When I looked out of the windows I could faintly see the lights of the capital city of India. When I look back on the wait, now I look back on it fondly. I had fun, that's for sure. Going with the flow took a lot of seriousness off of the experience. There wasn't anything I HAD to do. It was me making the best of a wait that had unpleasant the last time around.

And you see, that's why I enjoy traveling so much. The airports are filled which things to do even though, they are just meant to places to just pass by. Because of airports, I have seen different cultures in person with my own two eyes. I've seen people from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and who knows where else, speaking their native tongue. Going with the flow has brought to where I am today, both literally and figuratively. As I close today, I would you all to think about a two trips that that you've taken. One you enjoyed, and one you disliked. Now don't think about why you liked or dislikes a trip, but how lucky you were to have taken them. You experienced things that you wouldn't have experienced otherwise. Therefore, they have changed you forever. I leave you with three phrases; Be prepared, Go with the flow, Relax, and Enjoy. Thank you.