Author Archives: ir130090

Today we took a trip to the Rubin museum of art. It houses pieces from Asia; the Himalayan region. It focuses on the cultures of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, and also somewhat on the traditions of India, Mongolia, and China. What I found most interesting was the shrine room, which contained many memorabilia on the Buddhist religion. The sounds of chanting were played over the speakers, and the entire room gave off an air of reverence. I enjoyed the experience.

I like having a clear view of what is expected of me. Therefore, when I am asked to describe myself, I am at a loss for words. What do you want to know, exactly? You see me from your angle, standing before you, and you probably have already made your judgments and assumptions. Will anything I say change that? I suppose I can start by saying that I am me. I mean: I am me, and everything that that entails. Is that not enough for you? Would you like me to tell you my very genetic code, or every second of my existence?

The way I see it, my name is my label. And people assign that label to a list of all the things that they identify me as. Personally, I identify as me. I am what you see before you. I like proper grammar and getting caught in the rain. I dislike conceit and disarray, and overuse of the word “I”. I also don’t like being forced to do things. I know who I am, more or less. I know my history, my wants, my strengths, and fears. Though there are a few things I’m a little shaky on. I was asked once what I consider important. I…don’t know. Happiness, maybe?

Speaking of happy; sleep makes me happy. Umbrellas in time of need make me happy. I’m happy when I’m not trudging into the college building with a 45 pound bag over my shoulder and trying to keep awake in class. Oh, and academically, I’m more or less just paddling along. Except for math, in which I’m fighting to keep my head above the water. Not because I’m not trying, believe you me, but I’ve just always had the worst luck with math teachers. And I’ve also never been very studious in school. Still, I am trying.

And on the other side of the sphere, there is sadness. What makes most people sad? Is it the almost universally recognized rainy day and feeling of loneliness? I suppose so; I mean I can see why. Nobody likes being alone, at least not for a prolonged amount of time. We are social creatures that need interaction and comfort, and if starved for it, our sadness turns to pain. And we do everything in our power to avoid pain, both emotional and physical.

Now, on the surface, we don’t really seem to be emotional beings, do we? I’ll bet that on your way home today, you will encounter only stone cold faces walking the opposite way. Note that almost nobody smiles if they accidentally meet your eye; in fact they hastily and apologetically look somewhere else, don’t they? And if they happen to look at you a moment more than necessary it makes you uncomfortable. But through it all, we secretly wish the world was a friendlier place.

My point is, you all can probably relate to at least one of the things that I have just said. We may not all be alike, and we may even dislike each other, but somewhere, we meet at a point at which we understand each other.

Note how I have strayed from my original theme. Remember it? Me and what I am? Now note how quickly and easily “I” turns into “you”. How an investigation of simple emotions like “happy” and “sad” can make way for smooth transition from “me” to “us”. Think about it.

The Light the Night walk for leukemia was an inspiring experience. I was stunned at the amount of people that showed up and showed support. I saw many people wearing the shirts for the walk which I heard sold for a donation of $100 to the organization. Everyone seemed joyful and kind, and I’m glad to have been part of it.