Me Enamora ... and other things

Earlier this semester I was very frustrated. The classes that I am taking only seemed to be a cage, a window in a high tower overlooking mistakes and devastation that my classmates and I appeared unable to fix or help. Now, however, that frustration is stripping itself away. I think this research project is the most beneficial part of my education thus far. Considering that my research does not completely kill my idea, it is my goal to make it a reality.

This week in DC is the first ever FotoWeek (awesome!) and so last Saturday I had the opportunity to get my photography portfolio reviewed by a professional. I sat with Frank Van Riper and I told him about my refugee project and not only was he supportive of the idea but he dropped some gems on me in terms of how to make my project better as well as photographers I should look into who do similar work. It was definitely a helpful push in the right direction.

Needless to say, that daunting notion of what to do after G-day is growing less and less foreboding. I'm still going to take the Foreign Service exam, though even if I do get far along int that process, I don't know that I will accept a job in that department just yet. The Peace Corps is another option, though I'm putting that off until next semester. But my main focus right now is putting in the preliminary work (i.e. this research paper) to try and get this project off the ground. I will lay out more details after I have completed some informational interviews that will give me a better gauge on how my idea needs to develop.

For now, I will simply leave you with the song in my head. Which, along with several other tracks on my ipod, remind me of the far away people and places that I am missing.

"Me Enamora" by Juanes

Cada blanco del mi mente
Se vuelve calor con verte
Y el deseo de tenerte
Es mas fuerte, es mas fuerte

Solo quiero que me lleves
De tu mano por la senda
Y atrevesar el bosque
Que divide nuestras vidas

Hay tantas cosas que me gustan hoy de ti

Me enamora que me hables con tu boca
Me enamora que me eleves hasta al cielo
Me enomora que de mi sea tu alma sonadora
Esperanza de mis ojos
Sin ti mi vida no tiene sentido
Sin ti mi vida es como un remolino
De cenizas que se van, oh
Volando con el viento

Yo no se si te merezco
Solo se que aun deseo
Que le des luz a mi vida
En los dias venideros

Leeme muy bien los labios
Te lo digo bien despacio
Por el resto de mis dias
Quiero ser tu compania

Hay tantas cosas que me gustan hoy de ti

Me enamora que me hables con tu boca
Me enamora que me eleves hasta al cielo
Me enamora que de mi sea tu alma sonadora
Esperanza de mis ojos
Sin ti mi vida no tiene sentido
Sin ti mi vida es como un remolino
De cenizas que se van, oh
Volando con el viento

I LOVE DC

It's circa 11pm, and we're flipping back and forth between Indecision 2008 and Fox News (gotta balance it out). Cheers echo from different parts of the dorm's courtyard depending on which candidate has been called in a state. Suddenly, resounding screams of excitement ring through the building.

"What?! Which one got more votes?"
"Oh my god! Obama won!! He's declared at 297 votes!!"

We all scream with delight. Alright, so what to do now? Take a few shots and go outside to "storm the streets". But where to go? Where would the mass of our fellow students who live in the heart of Washington, DC go to celebrate this momentous occasion?

The White House.

The four of us (my roommates and I) were there as our fellow students marched, ran, and skipped the 5 or 6 blocks to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to celebrate in front of the future home of the next American President, Barack Obama. It is something indescribable; to be surrounded by a sea of people, especially young people, cheering and chanting for our confidence in the future. Not even the rain could deter us. To share a moment like this, in a place so symbolic, with so many people... that is the kind of memory that grows old with you.

I'm really excited to see what Obama will accomplish. Now the real work begins for him. In the meantime I'll try to get my voice back and rest up for my classes tomorrow.