Gretchen Bauman '25 RGLP Reflection: The Importance of Adaptability in Intercultural Contexts

Adaptability is a willingness to open yourself up to new experiences, despite the potential challenges they might bring. Throughout RGLP, we honed the skill of adaptability. Each session presented a new opportunity for us to demonstrate this skill, whether through traveling to Boston without knowing the itinerary, or learning the art of capoeira, something none of us had tried before. Through these experiences, it became clear that adaptability requires a willingness to embrace rather than shy away from challenges. It is difficult to truly learn adaptability while staying in your comfort zone. After all, if you are completely comfortable with all aspects of your environment, there is nothing to which you need to adapt. True adaptability, instead, requires you to constructively react to what you cannot control and view these challenges as a way to grow.

Adaptability is of paramount importance in a cultural context. Most importantly, true adaptability makes someone willing to learn from and experience different cultures. Adaptability allows you to grow comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable, or existing outside of your comfort zone. Experiencing other cultures often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone, especially cultures that have different customs than your own. With a mindset of adaptability, you will be more willing to take this step. Additionally, a willingness to be adaptable is also a sign of respect for other cultures. Being adaptable rather than insisting upon your own cultural customs indicates that you have moved beyond thinking about whether your culture is "better" than another. Instead, adaptability signals a respect for both cultures and thoughtfulness about what each can bring to the table in a given situation. 

Finally, throughout RGLP we learned that for true growth to occur, you must exit your comfort zone and instead be in the "learning zone." Entering this learning zone necessitates a willingness to adapt. Thus, to better grow as a person and a global leader, adaptability is an essential skill to develop.