Biega Beyond Borders

Over the past few months, I’ve found myself spending a lot of time on WhatsApp—like, a lot. It’s become the hub for connecting with my travel companions as we chat about everything from what we’re packing and when to apply for visas, to what we’re excited to eat and which vaccines we need. It’s all been incredibly exciting and, at times, a little overwhelming, especially while juggling full-time work and the chaos that always comes with the end of a school year.

But now, I can finally breathe.

I’ve wrapped up the 2025–26 school year, my 20th year of teaching at Blackhawk, and it truly has been a wild and rewarding ride.

Here are a few exciting things to share:

During my time in Kolkata, I’ll be working under Sudeshna Dutta, a Fulbright alum and English teacher at Saradya Vidya Bhawan. She has been an incredible support throughout this planning process, and I’ve loved getting to know her. She has even invited us to her home for dinner, something I’m especially looking forward to. Out of everything I’ll experience, this feels the most meaningful.