Bridge Year location: India
Academic focus: considering psychology or neuroscience on the pre-medical track
Hello, my name is Abby (she/her), and I participated in the Novogratz Bridge Year Program in India 2022-23! I am from Sacramento, California and am a first-year currently planning to study psychology or neuroscience on the pre-medical track. Bridge Year was highly influential in shaping my educational journey, informing my perspective on service, and making progress in my personal growth journey. It also gave me the unique opportunity to study traditional medicine and art forms as well as form close bonds with community members. Since being on Bridge Year, I have joined an acapella group on campus, become a barista at The Coffee Club, started training as an Outdoor Action Leader, and support the Bridge Year Office as the BY India Peer Advisor.
What was the best part of Bridge Year for you?
By far, the best part of Bridge Year was the people I met. From my wonderful homestay to the fruit seller I bought bananas from every morning, I met so many people who have made a deeply profound impact on my life. Bridge Year provides a special chance to interact with others who share different cultures, perspectives, religions, and languages from yourself. It also allows you to find a support system and build friendships with your cohort members. While the experience of Bridge Year is only nine months, I left with bonds that I will hold and cherish for a lifetime.
How has Bridge Year informed your Princeton experience?
Prior to Bridge Year, I was incredibly burnt out from academic stress and had a narrow vision of what I wanted to do with my life. My priorities were vastly different and much more focused on achieving long term goals and receiving top marks rather than on the relationships I have with others and exploring the different avenues I can take in life. Through Bridge Year, I have been able to change these priorities and work towards fostering a Princeton experience that is more community-focused, allows me to study new fields, and enables me to engage with the activities I am passionate about.