I was born and raised in a Christian family from a lower caste system in India. Growing up I wasn’t permitted to speak to any authority. In official documents, it would indicate that I was in a lower caste system. I wasn’t able to talk or share my ideas in class or anything, so I became scared to speak. In 2020 I completed my bachelor’s in communications and journalism, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do next. I thought about going for my Master’s degree, but then I found out about Summit through my friend Yohan. I had also been thinking about Bible school and decided I would shoot my shot and see if I could get in. After I was accepted, I made a visa appointment and was rejected right away. The waitlist to get another visa appointment was two years. It was one week before Summit started and I got another visa appointment 2000 miles from my home. It was a miracle. The interview took 30 minutes, and the guy would ask me questions and then answer them himself! I didn't even need to speak. I think the only thing I said was "yes" a few times when he would ask something. He approved my visa and I ran to the nearest phone to call my parents to tell them I was leaving for America in a week.
You mentioned being afraid to share your ideas. When you came to Summit, what was the process like of being able to open up more?
It was definitely a process. Every time I tried to talk to anyone I would think of them as higher than me. I didn’t really talk to anyone for about the first three months. There was a battle inside me. In chapels they would say that we should talk to staff anytime, that they wanted to get to know us. I was encouraged to ask questions. It was really freeing.
Is there a specific valuable moment that stands out to you during your time as a student?
During one of our theology nights, we were talking about pain and suffering, and the staff were so open in sharing their struggles. They are leaders, sharing their weakness, being honest. They are able to still praise God and not question Him and be faithful to Him. It moved me and my faith was uplifted so much.
After you graduated, you stayed on for an additional internship year at Summit. What was that like?
I was so happy that I was able to be part of a team and that I was able to serve students. I was always being served by staff when I was a student, and now I get to serve and show students that I care.
What were your main responsibilities and tasks during your internship?
I worked with the media team - projection during chapel, assisting with events, video, and editing projects.
Did you learn any new skills?
Yes, I learned lots of new software. I also learned how to communicate and work in a team. I learned how to take feedback and get better.
Any favorite internship memories?
The Worldwide prayer meeting at Yale University. It was so much fun to be behind the scenes setting up the day before, being with the Summit team, sharing life experiences with them, learning with them.
The media team is awesome!
For sure. If I am going through something, they are gentle with me. Every day I walk into that video studio I feel like I am home and that I am part of a family. I can express my ideas in a free way and get feedback in a positive way.
How does your family feel about you being so far away?
My parents came for my graduation and my dad was crying the whole time, he was so happy that I am here. my mom checks in on me every day over Facetime to see how I am doing. They love me and are happy for me.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Summit?
Take a leap of faith. come here and see what God is going to do in your life. Be patient when you come, enjoy being a student. I would do it all over again. You learn more about people, different cultures, and about God. It will change your life.
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