My Privileges

I found the article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh extremely interesting and thought-provoking. It is really hard to think about how you are at an advantage, rather than a disadvantage. Here is a list of my unearned privileges as an Indian-American:

• I am always assumed to be the good, smart one. 
• People are less inclined to believe that I am a cheater.  
• In high school, the cops and principals would not say anything if I was caught leaving for campus for lunch, as opposed to my peers of different ethnic backgrounds. 
• I am usually held to a higher standard, academically. 
• I am more inclined to receive discounted or free goods if the seller is of the same race, and we realize a distant familial connection. 

Cultural Items

1. A mini deity of my God:  This is the God that I worship, Ganpatiji. He represents the importance of keeping any evil thoughts/comments you hear about others to yourself, the significance of hearing and seeing as much possible i.e. paying attention to others and your surroundings, and how powerful knowledge and learning can be. Religion is a crucial part of my life, and is something that not only brings my family together, but also my community. 
2. Colored pencils: I took art for 10 years and became very close to my art teacher and fellow students. The group of four/five of us became best friends over the years, and shared everything that happened in our lives with our teacher. She encouraged me to pursue my dreams no matter what they are, and was my sounding board for as long as I can remember, and gave me advice whenever I needed it, about any and all things. She passed away a couple years ago, and I still miss her and think about her often. 
3. Photographs of my family: My family means the world to me, and I don't know what I would do without them. My parents have instilled their values and beliefs in me, that shape my morality today. My little brother is my inspiration, and motivates me to be the best I can be so I can be a good example for him. My extended family is huge, and we are also very close. We are almost like a community in of itself, where we exchange recipes, ideas, gossip, advice constantly. Their ideals have been most influential to who I am today. 

4. The Project picture frame: Being a part of The Project has allowed me to find my place in college, being surrounded by people who enjoy volunteering and giving back as much as I do. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we have all have similar interests, and are able to come together for a common goal. The Project has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as a group of friends who I will treasure for years to come. 
   
5. Global Medical Training- souvenirs: I have been a part of this organization since freshman year. I went on two medical mission trips, one to the Dominican Republic and the other to Nicaragua. Both times have changed me and my outlook in the world. It makes you appreciate what you have and how blessed I am, while giving me a directive on what I would like to do with my life.
   
   
   
    

About Moi

Hey guys!

My name is Tejal Patel and this is my very first blog! To tell you a little bit about myself, I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. I have a little brother who means the world to me, and despite our extremely different personalities and tastes, we are very close. I am a fourth-year neurobiology major, and plan to graduate in May. I want to take a year off, get a job and apply to medical school after I graduate. If accepted, I would love to be a pediatrician. As someone who loves kids, I volunteer at many different locations in my spare time for causes that are usually directed for children. I decided to take this class because of my involvement with The Project. I hope to use the materials and ideas from the other students' projects in order to run a more successful event in Holly and East Cesar Chavez this year. I can't wait to get started!

Tejal