Leading the Flow: My Pad2Go Summer Fellowship Experience

Pad2Go Summer Fellows 2025 in Nuwakot, Nepal.

Namaste! My name is Britina Gautam, and I am a senior at Wellesley College, majoring in psychology and Asian American studies. I was born in Nepal but grew up in Austin, Texas, navigating the balance between these two cultural worlds. This dual perspective has shaped both my personal and academic journey and inspired me to find ways to reconnect with my roots while pursuing work aligned with my passions. This past summer, I had the opportunity to do just that through the Pad2Go Fellowship in Nepal. The experience was both professionally enriching and deeply personal, allowing me to engage in conversations around menstruation, sexuality, and mental health. As I entered my final summer before graduation, I wanted an experience that combined cultural immersion with meaningful, hands-on work. Returning to Nepal offered exactly that.

How did you hear about the Summer Fellowship at Pad2Go?

I first learned about the Pad2Go Fellowship from my close friend Dika, whose sister, a Wellesley alum, had completed the program a few years ago. Hearing about her projects and the tangible impact of her work inspired me to apply. I was drawn to the fellowship’s mission of breaking taboos around menstruation and sexuality and hoped to explore the cultural and psychological effects of these stigmas on young people in Nepal.

How did the fellowship contribute to your personal and professional growth?The fellowship offered countless opportunities for growth. One of the most valuable skills I developed was planning and facilitating classroom conversations in ways that were responsive to students’ needs. Every classroom dynamic was unique, and I quickly learned the importance of flexibility and creativity in tailoring discussions. Equally important was embracing authenticity in collaboration. By showing up as my genuine self, I was able to build trust and create space for open dialogue with students, teachers, and community leaders alike.

These lessons directly inform my future work in psychology, particularly with children and adolescents, where openness, transparency, and genuine connection are crucial. On a personal level, the experience reinforced the importance of embracing discomfort as an opportunity for growth, especially when navigating sensitive topics across cultural contexts.

Britina leads a classroom session on menstrual health and sustainable period products, in Nuwakot.

How did you seek financial support for the fellowship?

My fellowship was generously supported by the Wei Fong Chu Chao Endowed Fund for International Internships through the Wellesley Career Education Grants Program. The application process was straightforward, and I particularly appreciated the reflection modules built into the program. These check-ins encouraged me to pause, take stock of my growth, and approach my work with intention throughout the summer. Any recommendations for future applicants?

For those considering this fellowship, here are a few tips:

• Invest in language skills. Even a small effort to read, write, or speak in Nepali strengthens connections with students and colleagues and shows care and respect.

• Be curious and courageous. Do not hesitate to ask questions, especially when engaging with policymakers or leaders. These conversations can open doors to broader systemic change.

• Integrate your interests. Bring your own passions into the work. For me, linking psychology with menstrual stigma enriched both my experience and the students’ learning.

• Prepare for travel logistics. One challenge I faced was being stopped at the airport for not having a pre-approved visa form. Future fellows should complete online pre-arrival registration, keep a screenshot or printout, ensure passports are up to date, and consider booking directly with airlines.

Summer Fellows installed Pad2Go vending machines in each school and trained students and teachers to use them.

As I move into my final year at Wellesley and prepare for life after graduation, I am deeply grateful for the insights and skills this fellowship gave me. It strengthened my understanding of the intersections between cultural stigma and psychological well-being while reaffirming my commitment to empowering young people through education and mental health advocacy. More than an internship, this fellowship allowed me to reconnect with my roots, contribute to meaningful change, and carry forward lessons that will guide my future.

If you have any questions about the funding process, majoring in psychology, or Wellesley College, feel free to reach out.