Arni Patel, a psychology major, studied abroad during winter break 2024 on the Mosaic Brazil: A Panorama of Social Justice program.
My Mosaic Brazil experience was truly unforgettable. What made it stand out was the chance to immerse myself in Brazil’s culture while working with the NGO Meu Copo Eco, which focuses on sustainability and reducing plastic waste. Collaborating with their team to brainstorm ways to address social disparities within their operations was both heavily eye-opening and rewarding. Beyond that, building connections with the local community and sharing these experiences with my peers made it all the more meaningful.
Going to Brazil was important to me because I’ve always been drawn to understanding people and cultures on a deeper level. I loved that I could combine my passion of psychology and traveling. Back in high school sociology, my teacher inspired me to explore the world—not for the sights, but more for the people. That perspective resonated with me deeply, and motivated me to take part in this program, where I was able to connect with others in a way that left a lasting impact.
This experience taught me a lot about myself, especially how important it is to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges in a new area of study. Being in a foreign country without my family for the first time was fun and truly exciting, but it really homed in on developing a sense of responsibility- a necessary life skill. It also ignited a passion to reinforce my commitment to sustainability and showed me how community-focused efforts can create real world change, especially in Rio De Janerio- a heavily populated and polluted city.
One of the heaviest lessons I learned, though, is the weight of the privilege I have back here at home. Being a child of immigrants who specifically came to America to achieve the American Dream, being in the real Rio really opened my eyes to the stark realities many people face daily. It made me deeply aware of how much I’ve benefited from opportunities my parents fought for, and it reminded me of the responsibility I must use that privilege thoughtfully and to advocate for others who are not afforded the same opportunities.
Being a global citizen means recognizing how connected we all are and taking responsibility to make a positive impact. Programs like Mosaic Brazil show how much we can learn from engaging with the world around us. I’m so deeply grateful for this experience and for the chance to grow in ways I never expected.
I hope to carry these lessons forward by advocating for sustainable practices and continuing to connect with people from diverse backgrounds through my passion of psychology. Whether in my personal life or future career, I’ll aim to apply the empathy and understanding I gained during my time in Brazil.