Summer Internship 2025 - Lessons in Joy: What the Kids of Allampalli Taught Me About Giving - Hassini B

Before stepping foot in Allampalli, I thought I understood what volunteering meant. I

packed my bags, skimmed through the curriculum, and boarded the bus with a vague idea of “giving back.” But nothing could’ve prepared me for what I was about to experience. From the moment we arrived, greeted by students with helping hands and the biggest of smiles, I realized that this trip wasn’t just about teaching lessons. It was about building relationships, seeing life through a different lens, and rediscovering joy in its purest form. Through every handshake, game, and shared cup of chai, I began to understand that true service isn’t just one-sided. The kids we were meant to teach became our biggest teachers.

In Allampalli, we weren’t just visitors; we were welcomed like family. The kids called us

“sister” and “brother,” held our hands, and invited us into their homes. Even though they had so little, they constantly gave, wholeheartedly giving us their time and joy. That kind of generosity opened my eyes. It made me question what I had always thought of as “enough.” These kids didn’t measure their lives by what they lacked. They shared whatever they could without hesitation, and their kindness felt so natural, so effortless. They didn’t need to know our stories to care about us. That kind of unconditional warmth is something I had almost never felt before, and it reminded me that the most meaningful relationships are often not the ones built on language or background, but instead on simple acts of care and connection.

Beyond Allampalli, we also spent time at Nethra Vidyalaya, a school for the visually

challenged students in Hyderabad. At first, I wasn’t too sure how to interact, but within minutes, we were deep in conversations about politics, school life, and our cultures. Their questions were thoughtful, their English was incredible, and I found myself forgetting entirely about their disability. It reminded me how often we underestimate others without realizing it. All of these students had so much to say; they just needed someone to listen. As we spent more time there, I began to realize that their lack of sight never limited their vision. Their dreams were bold, their determination was clear, and their sense of humor and curiosity brought so much energy into every conversation. This made me realize how often we enter situations carrying assumptions, focusing more on what others lack, rather than appreciating all that they bring.

As the days passed, I found myself growing more connected not only to the students but also to the community as a whole. The barriers that once felt so real, the language, the distance, and the differences, all slowly faded away. What remained was a shared sense of hope and determination. A reminder that no matter where we come from, we all strive for the same sense of growth, happiness, and belonging. Throughout my time in India, I also began to learn the importance of humility. I began to understand that I wasn’t there to “fix” anything, but I was instead there to support these incredible individuals on their journey to success.

Our Allampalli internship is something that, despite all efforts, cannot be fully described

in words or pictures. One of the most rewarding aspects was the perspective I gained, and the people I got to meet. In my eyes, it wasn’t just an internship; it was a transformation. And it’s an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Blog Written By: Haasini Beeravolu