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It is entirely possible that I’ve sat through too many thought-provoking Communications classes, or that I think too much, or that I carry the weight of the world in worry on my shoulders, but lately I’ve been pondering the idea of perception.  What do we truly “see” when you remove the filters you’ve grown accustomed to using your whole life to view the world?  And why on Earth do we train ourselves to habitually use such discriminating filters?

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I attempted the engineering route given the skills I learned from Mr. Johnson coupled with a proclivity for math instilled by my father, but quickly discovered that only some can master the art form of Calculus.  After several months of pondering and struggling to read the true language of advanced math, I realized I could still take the teachings of Mr. Johnson and the guidance of my own parents down a different path.

I chose Political Science mainly because it allowed me to think with creative yet constructive analysis, and it welcomed the thought process Mr. Johnson inspired through his teachings: the power of deduction and logical reasoning.  I found that I was able to excel in a new realm of study, and it inspired me to look further than simply getting through college, initially driving me toward an internship position in Washington DC through the University of California.  It was through this UCDC program that my chosen path became more defined.  Bearing witness to the way government works internally stimulated my brain with a new-found vigor.  As a Congressional Intern, I experienced briefings, attended a session of the Supreme Court, and honed skills to use my voice sagaciously in the political realm.

My parents instilled the drive toward public service from an early age, but it took a journey through college to fully realize that passion.  My father worked as a civil engineer supporting the City of San Jose, while my mother was always involved in the local Mayoral and City Council campaigns for our district, with me in tow.  The work experience along with my internship opportunity with Congresswoman Susan Davis solidified my interest to be involved with the inner workings of government, in a capacity where I feel my work would have the most meaning, on the local level.

A Master of Public Administration promises an increased awareness of and sensitivity to the crucial political factors that characterize public service, coupled with the ultimate goal of operational motivation. This awareness and sensitivity will enhance not only my capacity to manage but also to be managed, subsequently allowing me to be an active, contributing member of society.  I am in pursuit of an MPA so that I might increase my involvement in positively shaping the surrounding environment through my service.

It's been said that the best way to get a good feeling for your surroundings when you travel some place new is to get yourself lost and figure a way out.  Trust me when I say that I've gotten "getting lost" perfected to a tee ... but only when my traveling companions are my mother and her fiancee.

Step one: If relatives on the continent are joining you in the excursion, stay at least 2 hours away.

Three of my aunts were in town from Holland for this Spanish wedding.  We opted to stay closer to Gibraltar, as this was the best way to create space and truly experience Spain without the detriment of hearing Tante Phine harp on about how to make Spanish Tortilla, smelling the smoke of the three burning chimneys that travelled all the way from den Dolder and beyond, and simply having to deal with so many people staying under one roof.

So why not keep the people who've never been to the country a full two hours away for extra space ... in which to get lost?


(To be continued ...)

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    Is this horse not the cutest thing ever?

Blogged with Flock

What more might one pack into a single weekend?  I tested myself both physically and emotionally, and came out looking like a champ, with my best friend by my side.  I gained a sister on Saturday and coincidingly witnessed one of the happiest moments in 2 people's lives.  My brother is in fantastic hands, and the intertwined lives of two people willing to put in the effort to making a marriage work holds nothing but fantastic journeys on the road of optimism.  The tears that threatened to creep down my cheeks on Saturday are sure to fall if I keep up with this.

But on I go ...

With a spring in my step and a bearhug from my counterpart in one of those rare, quarter-century-long friendships, I finished my race today - and that alone makes me feel SO incredibly accomplished.  Forgive my lack of energy at the moment, but I took a lot out of myself today on many different levels.  I am trying hard to maintain some semblance of normalcy despite being ecstatic that Nora and I kept on pace the entire time.  She was a great motivator, a woman who has such an incredible inner strength that hearing her tell me that I am to be credited with motivating her to train for this race truly does make my eyes glisten and my heart swell.  She and my sister have together been such a solid presence of support and friendship, through my most difficult times in life as well as through the cakewalks. 

Bear with me for a moment while I clear my eyes ...

Nora ran with me the entire time today, which was a great thing for pacing purposes.  I didn't want to overextend myself at the beginning, and the balance she provided simply by being there was much appreciated.  When I couldn't handle the hills running, I told her to go on ahead to the top because she was a trooper on those painful inclines.  Without fail, she was there running in circles, waiting for the crowds to dissipate until my sweaty mug broke through.  Nothing but words of motivation came out of her mouth when all I could think to say was "fuck hills!"  Her husband and her kids propelled her through the brief but intense training and brought her to San Francisco yesterday.  This morning, I tapped her lightly on the back and asked, "Sweetheart, are you ready to do this?"  A brief morning ritual and a friendly squeeze later, I looked at her, and she at me ... then we were off.

Running gave her a purpose today, I simply provided a means to get there.  I'm so happy that I could do that for her, because giving back is what friendship is all about.