I know several lives worth living

You know how sometimes you see yourself from the outside, looking in? It used to freak me out when that happened. Back in middle school and the beginning of highschool I found it really weird to see myself doing things, as if I was not sure who I was and had to put on a front and was watching myself do it. I see things differently now.

I'm currently babysitting at our president's house. Correction, his son is sleeping, and I'm doing homework while his mom is at a meeting. I just spent half an hour talking to their house keeper who I have known for the past 2 years because of ESL classes. As she was telling me how her husband is still unemployed (it's been a year and half) and she is the sole provider for her five children, I realized that the interactions and conversations I am having with many of the immigrant workers around campus are exactly like those I have read and heard about. I guess this should not be a novel thought, given my experience within the migrant community since highschool, but for the first time, I actually felt truly connected. As I was talking to her, I saw myself engaging in a relationship that is often just observed or read about. There are so many realities and lives intertwined on this campus and it still frustrates me that so many students are completely oblivious to it. But then again, the vast majority of the U.S. does not understand or even know about how the other half lives.

I have really started wondering if maybe I should reconsider going to El Salvador for a full year after graduation. If the Fulbright comes thorough that commits me to a year, but otherwise I am thinking six months might be enough. It's hard to tell at this time though. I have been asking around for outside funding these past few weeks. We'll see where everything goes...A grad school fair came to Mabee today. Did not hit up that one. Luke, wanna help me study for the math portion of the GRE over winter break? I'll need a refresher in Pre-Cal...Also, send me your college essays sometime! CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO COME VISIT.

Highlight of my day: Met a new Spanish speaking employee who is really interested in having me help tutor her for her citizenship test she is taking this year.

*I know several lives worth living.

Love from the balcony of South 1st...
DDG