But, in the words of the bold and beautiful John Mayer, "I'll never stop this (life) train." Now at home in VA, the next challenges in my life are not-so-slowly creeping in. Reality check, Major. Zetus Lapeedus.
However, this blog is not about my life, it is about my summery escape, my escape into a city that helped raise me. I can honestly say I have never felt more like a woman and less like a girl. There are no pivotal moments or grand speeches. There are no heartfelt songs or happy endings. But there were people, there were experiences, and there was an evolution.
I came in wanting to study Ethnomusicology. Not so much. I read and talked and listened and realized that it's not for me. For a variety of reasons, but I suppose that figuring out what you don't want to do is a step towards determining what you do want to do.
It was during those days wandering the museums that I realized what I may want to do, and is now what I am taking steps toward. museumeducation. There is something about watching a pre-schooler discover dinosaurs, a pre-teen pretending not to care about cultural aspects of American Indians, and a high school senior being distracted (away from his girlfriend) to understand the distress of the Colorado River. It's so many things. Breathtaking, fulfilling, awe-inspiring, [insert synonyms]. To find a career that allows you to see your work affect so many people is beautiful.
Perhaps this is what I will miss about the city the most. It's passion for knowledge, education and learning. I feel burdened sometimes by how much I don't know. I mean, let's be real, I don't know jack. But if I can research and share important things with the world, especially the next generation, I could kick the bucket.
This is only a little nugget of good stuff that I learned about the world and my place in it this summer. And it wasn't just the city that helped me learn.
The Smithsonian Institution is one of the most amazing organizations in the world. Frustrating at times, but I'm still naming my first dog after James Smithson.
The staff at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, including Smithsonian Folkways are intelligent, and they don't rub it in your face in the slightest. Humble people. I love them.
My fellow interns. It makes me less worried about the future of the world having known you all. You make me proud to be a part of our generation.
I couldn't have done this without my friends (new / iguessoldnow housemates included). Your support is unending. And I thank God for you.
Andy. You (officially) came into my life just when I needed you to. Thank you for sticking around on the crazy stressed, crazy happy, and just plain crazy days. You get me. I dig it.
The Robert E. Cook Honors College. Without that money, there would be no way. Absolutely no way.
My family. I love you. Even if you are all dossipots.
...if you know me well, you know I identify places with colors. Washington DC is black and white, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for gray. And the city helped me to revel and appreciate this gray like never before, so thank you DC. You are beautiful.
