The Drive to Mitchelville Prison.
On our drive up to the prison yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the many beauties of this state. The glitter and glam of the sight was enough to have me spellbound and enchanted for the entire car ride. An energetic wind swept the sky leaving it spotless. It played with the fields and the corn revealing their under-belied shine. From West to East, the wind dove in an out of the fields mimicking the reflections and the motions of the sea.
The Interview.
As I mentioned previously one of my roles this summer will be to write a reference letter for one of the women who are receiving help from ICADV (Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence) with their commutation. The purpose of the reference letter will be to document their history of domestic violence and sexual assault by meeting with them every week and discussing their life story. If you can for a second, try and recall the worst experience you have ever had, and imagine having to tell it over and over again. Now imagine that that one horrible experience becomes your entire life story and you are asked to remember every single detail and tell it to a complete stranger. This is what these women are up against.
So needless to say I was a little nervous about my first interview, which all things considered went pretty well. The hardest part will be finding a balance between being overly friendly and too professional, between asking irrelevant questions and insensitive ones, between being empathetic and emotionless. The other thing I have a hard time coming to terms with is the fact that this woman is only a couple of years older than me and yet our lives could not be any more different. We come from such different worlds which are equally real and seemingly, equally unreal to each other. I can only say that my perspective and concept of reality has changed significantly…
The Evening Bike Ride.
Swerving, pedaling, crossing, maneuvering, pedaling, avoiding, faster and faster. Breathing. Magnificent, beautiful, riveting, glistening, pounding. Watching. Breathing. Appreciating. Enjoying... Loving... Listening... Feeling... Breathing. Pedaling, faster. And faster and faster, swerving, pedaling, crossing, maneuvering, pedaling, turning, changing. Being.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Revolutionary Road
The only night time sounds come from the road named after some famous lawyer. Drivers pretending to be invincible, cruse in and out of earshot. Meanwhile the General convenience store sits opposite the fast food joint, both staring at each other in loathing competition. The parking lot which separates the two looks like a stage, illuminated from the bright street lamps overhead. I sit here on my tinny balcony watching, waiting for performers to dart from the sides with hats and cookie cutter smiles, singing a generic tune that will stir up that deep-seated desire to want. And there they come, like lost souls. Slowly. They emerge from the sides. Some meander in and out of consciousness, while others in and out of the garbage disposals. Some walk up and down the front street, aimless, empty. Slowly. Time has no say and neither does anyone else about what you do or how you should live your life. Bang! Exclaims the furious sedan in disapproval. And the crescent-shaped moon smiles down on our performance, wondering what strange dissatisfied creatures we are.
Friday, June 26, 2009
So where do I live?
Here!
the dinning room and my bike :-)
the bedroom
the kitchen
the view from my roomSo, really, home is where you hang your hat (or in my case my clothes)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cover Letters
Thoughts while writing cover letters to women at Mt, Pleasant Correctional Facility. (Creative piece)
“FIRST NAME”.
The first word they learned to write. The first word that defines who they are. The first thing that is theirs. Over the years, first names become more than empty, recognition, calling mechanisms. These names are what bring individuality and humanity. They might carry the inheritance of a past loved one, or they might carry the name of a Greek Goddess, or a Latin-based natural phenomenon, or they might just carry the aesthetic taste of the name-giver. The first name carries a significant time in a persons life, when someone cares enough about them to take the time to give them their humanity…
“LAST NAME”.
The second most important name. The one that defines their genealogy, their origin and who they belong too. The one that appears on passports, credit cards and later, press releases, news paper articles, court cases and legal files. The one that is repeated over and over again in accusatory, harsh ways. The last name is the one that changes, that defines who will own and abuse them or respect and love them…
“OFFENDER DOC #.”
A number. No longer a human being. No longer worthy of being recognized with rights, feelings, opinions and emotions. A means of control, imprisonment and regulation.
“ADDRESS”
1200 East Washington Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility, Iowa Prison IA 52641.
Somehow Mt. Pleasant and Correctional Facility don’t fit together...
Dear… LAST NAME
“FIRST NAME”.
The first word they learned to write. The first word that defines who they are. The first thing that is theirs. Over the years, first names become more than empty, recognition, calling mechanisms. These names are what bring individuality and humanity. They might carry the inheritance of a past loved one, or they might carry the name of a Greek Goddess, or a Latin-based natural phenomenon, or they might just carry the aesthetic taste of the name-giver. The first name carries a significant time in a persons life, when someone cares enough about them to take the time to give them their humanity…
“LAST NAME”.
The second most important name. The one that defines their genealogy, their origin and who they belong too. The one that appears on passports, credit cards and later, press releases, news paper articles, court cases and legal files. The one that is repeated over and over again in accusatory, harsh ways. The last name is the one that changes, that defines who will own and abuse them or respect and love them…
“OFFENDER DOC #.”
A number. No longer a human being. No longer worthy of being recognized with rights, feelings, opinions and emotions. A means of control, imprisonment and regulation.
“ADDRESS”
1200 East Washington Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility, Iowa Prison IA 52641.
Somehow Mt. Pleasant and Correctional Facility don’t fit together...
Dear… LAST NAME
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Is this what I want to be doing for the rest of my life?
It may be too early to say, but I don’t think so. I have lost a certain faith in humanity in doing this job. Don’t get me wrong, I am so glad that I am working for this organization and I don’t regret a single moment accepting this internship. However, and this also may just be a phase, I feel as though a veil has been lifted, revealing the truly ugly and saddening aspect of human beings. I know that there definitely are some beautiful, amazing sides to people and I have been blessed and privileged many times to have been exposed to those great moments. But right now, I am bogged down by too much negativity and I am having a very hard time depersonalizing this experience and disassociating myself with my work.
I just can’t understand why some human beings treat each other so badly. I don’t understand what makes some of us so unhappy The number of individuals (and I know a lot myself) who suffer from depression, anxiety, or some other psychological disease, is just startling. We abuse, ruin, ravage, violate children, women, men and, worst of all, our planet. What makes people so desperate, angry and unhappy to the point that they turn on each other and on themselves?
I am sorry this is getting very dark and dramatic and it is probably the last thing people want to be reading about. So, I will say no more, except that I am glad that I realize now that I will not be able to make a career out of this and keep a positive, enthusiastic and giving personality at the same time. But again...it has only been a week and half.
I just can’t understand why some human beings treat each other so badly. I don’t understand what makes some of us so unhappy The number of individuals (and I know a lot myself) who suffer from depression, anxiety, or some other psychological disease, is just startling. We abuse, ruin, ravage, violate children, women, men and, worst of all, our planet. What makes people so desperate, angry and unhappy to the point that they turn on each other and on themselves?
I am sorry this is getting very dark and dramatic and it is probably the last thing people want to be reading about. So, I will say no more, except that I am glad that I realize now that I will not be able to make a career out of this and keep a positive, enthusiastic and giving personality at the same time. But again...it has only been a week and half.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Voices of Incarcerated Survivors of Domestic Violence
"I am my worst nightmare."
"He dragged me across the floor by my hair and then raped me with a gun."
"I was in hysterics and I tell you what, if there was one thing that guaranteed a beating, it was being hysterical."
"He beat me so bad, I miscarried. After leaving me for two days, he came back and dumped a baby in my lap. I knew it wasn't mine and I knew it was wrong, but it was the only positive thing I had. So, I kept it. Two days later, I found the baby's real mother shoved in our basement. Dead." "I woke up in the middle of the night and to my horror his head was between my legs. Scared as I was, I waited until he left."
"The only time we ever worked as a couple was when we were both high on methamphetamine."
"I needed to protect my children, so I took the beating."
"He was my one true love. We belonged together. I hoped he would understand how much I loved him, so I let him."
"Why didn't I tell the police right away? He threatened to burn my family's house down. I knew what he was capable of. I knew he would so I didn't know what to do."
"He knew exactly how long it took me to go to the store. If it took me longer, I got the crap beaten out of me so bad. So if there were three people in line, I dropped the groceries and left. Either way I got a beating so, I preferred to show up on time with no groceries."
"I have never felt safe, except in prison."
"I wasn't even safe from the beatings in public. He had complete control over me."
"You see these two front teeth? They are fake. I knocked them out and broke my nose from having a bad nightmare about him."
"He forced me to have sex with our son. If I didn't he would kill him."
"He pushed me down a flight of stairs at a restaurant. There was a man and his wife, who saw it happened. The man made a motion to help me, but the woman turned and said 'it's not our business' and left".
"Is there a message you would like us to carry out of there for you?"
" Yes. If you see domestic violence in public, it is your business. If you see it happen DO something. You never know what the situation is"
"He dragged me across the floor by my hair and then raped me with a gun."
"I was in hysterics and I tell you what, if there was one thing that guaranteed a beating, it was being hysterical."
"He beat me so bad, I miscarried. After leaving me for two days, he came back and dumped a baby in my lap. I knew it wasn't mine and I knew it was wrong, but it was the only positive thing I had. So, I kept it. Two days later, I found the baby's real mother shoved in our basement. Dead." "I woke up in the middle of the night and to my horror his head was between my legs. Scared as I was, I waited until he left."
"The only time we ever worked as a couple was when we were both high on methamphetamine."
"I needed to protect my children, so I took the beating."
"He was my one true love. We belonged together. I hoped he would understand how much I loved him, so I let him."
"Why didn't I tell the police right away? He threatened to burn my family's house down. I knew what he was capable of. I knew he would so I didn't know what to do."
"He knew exactly how long it took me to go to the store. If it took me longer, I got the crap beaten out of me so bad. So if there were three people in line, I dropped the groceries and left. Either way I got a beating so, I preferred to show up on time with no groceries."
"I have never felt safe, except in prison."
"I wasn't even safe from the beatings in public. He had complete control over me."
"You see these two front teeth? They are fake. I knocked them out and broke my nose from having a bad nightmare about him."
"He forced me to have sex with our son. If I didn't he would kill him."
"He pushed me down a flight of stairs at a restaurant. There was a man and his wife, who saw it happened. The man made a motion to help me, but the woman turned and said 'it's not our business' and left".
"Is there a message you would like us to carry out of there for you?"
" Yes. If you see domestic violence in public, it is your business. If you see it happen DO something. You never know what the situation is"
Saturday, June 20, 2009
What am I doing this summer?
So what am I doing here? Below you will find in question-answer format what I will be doing this summer.
Who am I working for?
The Skylark Project, which branches off of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence ( ICADV).
What is the Skylark project and what do they do?
The purpose of the Skylark Project is to help the women at the Mitchellville prison with their commutation, which is the changing of a prison sentence to one that is less sever.
How does the process of commutation work in Iowa?
While a person serves time in prison, they are subject to an appeal every couple of years. An appeal, is an application or proceeding for review by the board of parole. The Iowa board of parole consists of five people from various backgrounds appointed by the Governor, who will decide whether a prisoner is eligible for commutation or not. If they vote in favor of the appeal, then it is submitted to the governor who then makes the final decision to grant commutation.
How is the Skylark Project involved in the process applying for commutation?
Step 1. The Skylark Project(SKP) receives dozens of letters from women in prison, requesting help with their appeal application.
Step 2. Members of SKP review every request according to criteria such as whether domestic violence (DV) or sexual assault (SA) was present and if so how it related to the crime, how long their sentence is and their term served. If the applications meet the initial criteria, they move on to the next step.
Step 3. The remainder of applicants are then asked more than once, 40 to 50 yes or no questions, about how they have been affected by DV and SA. From this, 10 are selected to the final round.
Step 4. Face to face interviews with the prisoners, who are asked again to tell their story more than once. 5 to 6 of those who show immense consistency in their stories are then eligible for help by members of the SKP
Step 5. The members of the SKP are assigned one women prisoner each who will work with her in doing various things: A) in helping her write a cohesive, legible and comprehensive application, B) in helping her present her case and talk about her story in front of an audience C) explain her situation and why she did not mention DV or SA during her initial trial.
Step 6. These 5 to 6 women submit their appeal and go in front of the board of parole.
Step 7. If the board of parole votes unanimously in favor of commutation, their application is then passed on to the governor, who makes the final decision.
What is my role in this process and throughout the summer?
One of my roles this summer will be to work with a young women who has been approved by the SKP in helping her with her commutation application (Step 5). I am also doing research on three cases and trying to collect as much information about the trials and signs of DV involved in these cases. In addition, I will also be in charge of working on creating a community-based project involving community members and incarcerated survivors to be on exhibit during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
If you have any more questions you want me to answer about what I will be doing this summer, please leave me a comment and I will answer them as best as possible
Who am I working for?
The Skylark Project, which branches off of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence ( ICADV).
What is the Skylark project and what do they do?
The purpose of the Skylark Project is to help the women at the Mitchellville prison with their commutation, which is the changing of a prison sentence to one that is less sever.
How does the process of commutation work in Iowa?
While a person serves time in prison, they are subject to an appeal every couple of years. An appeal, is an application or proceeding for review by the board of parole. The Iowa board of parole consists of five people from various backgrounds appointed by the Governor, who will decide whether a prisoner is eligible for commutation or not. If they vote in favor of the appeal, then it is submitted to the governor who then makes the final decision to grant commutation.
How is the Skylark Project involved in the process applying for commutation?
Step 1. The Skylark Project(SKP) receives dozens of letters from women in prison, requesting help with their appeal application.
Step 2. Members of SKP review every request according to criteria such as whether domestic violence (DV) or sexual assault (SA) was present and if so how it related to the crime, how long their sentence is and their term served. If the applications meet the initial criteria, they move on to the next step.
Step 3. The remainder of applicants are then asked more than once, 40 to 50 yes or no questions, about how they have been affected by DV and SA. From this, 10 are selected to the final round.
Step 4. Face to face interviews with the prisoners, who are asked again to tell their story more than once. 5 to 6 of those who show immense consistency in their stories are then eligible for help by members of the SKP
Step 5. The members of the SKP are assigned one women prisoner each who will work with her in doing various things: A) in helping her write a cohesive, legible and comprehensive application, B) in helping her present her case and talk about her story in front of an audience C) explain her situation and why she did not mention DV or SA during her initial trial.
Step 6. These 5 to 6 women submit their appeal and go in front of the board of parole.
Step 7. If the board of parole votes unanimously in favor of commutation, their application is then passed on to the governor, who makes the final decision.
What is my role in this process and throughout the summer?
One of my roles this summer will be to work with a young women who has been approved by the SKP in helping her with her commutation application (Step 5). I am also doing research on three cases and trying to collect as much information about the trials and signs of DV involved in these cases. In addition, I will also be in charge of working on creating a community-based project involving community members and incarcerated survivors to be on exhibit during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
If you have any more questions you want me to answer about what I will be doing this summer, please leave me a comment and I will answer them as best as possible
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fort DesMoines and Newton Correctional Institute.
Today was quite a big day. This morning we visited Fort DesMoines Correctional Facility. This institute houses people who are convicted of operating while intoxicated, mild sex offenders, and provides transitional living for many newly released prisoners. In addition to providing living spaces for the people listed above, this facility also offers various “re-entry” classes. One example being the “Victim Impact Class”, where the former aggressors are made to understand the consequence of their actions on another person (the victim) and their families.
In the afternoon, we went to the Newton Correctional Institute for men, where my boss teaches a class on bioethics. This facility is considered a medium to maximum security prison. Before we were allowed in, we went through a metal detector and were patted down quite thoroughly. We were then lead through the first layer of barbed wire, then through the second and then through three doors before arriving in the actual prison. Once inside, we entered into a hall where we met the inmates in my bosses class. I have to say that I was quite nervous about the idea of going into a classroom with a bunch of men who are charged with first degree murder, first degree kidnapping and severe sexual assault. However, as we settled down and began the class, I was shocked by how “normal” they were and how the situation quickly turned from being scary criminals in a prison to human beings with minds and opinions in a classroom. They were laughing and cracking jokes with us, actively participating in class discussion and showed a lot of respect towards my boss. At the end of the class, we were able to ask them questions and a few stayed on after to talk to us personally before we left to go home.
It was such a disturbingly bizarre experience. I was struck by how smart and knowledgeable these men were and how much they wanted to learn and be a part of the class. What really hit home however, was when they talked about how much this class meant to them and how much they valued this opportunity to get an education. One individual in particular mentioned that it changed his life. He had a great sense of humor and was incredibly friendly and open. Had I met this individual outside of the prison, I would never ever have suspected him of committing the crime that he did.
I will never see these individuals again, so I doubt their behavior wasn't genuine but again it is hard to say. It is hard to know what to think in these situations. On the one hand they act like you and me. They are human beings, with families, feelings, minds, desires to make a living and have a family. On the other hand, they have committed some of the most heinous crimes. You think, they should be punished and sentenced for life in prison but then you walk out of that gated, guarded, barb-wired, brick block and you think “Well, that’s easy to say when I am able to walk out so freely and resume my life, dreams and goals”. How can they be so human and inhuman? Are they really just bad, manipulating people? Where they too young to know what they did? Did they lack guidance and love? Why, why, why did they do what they did? Should they be given a second chance? Imagine serving 75 years or more in prison…that’s your life right there stripped of freedom.
If there is one thing that I am certain however, is that EDUCATION can and will make a difference for EVERYONE. After this visit and hearing the men talk about their progression from being inarticulate kids to what they are now, I feel like I should do something related to teaching. At this moment, it seems like the only solution to steering kids away from trouble and giving everyone equal opportunities. Let’s see what tomorrow brings…
In the afternoon, we went to the Newton Correctional Institute for men, where my boss teaches a class on bioethics. This facility is considered a medium to maximum security prison. Before we were allowed in, we went through a metal detector and were patted down quite thoroughly. We were then lead through the first layer of barbed wire, then through the second and then through three doors before arriving in the actual prison. Once inside, we entered into a hall where we met the inmates in my bosses class. I have to say that I was quite nervous about the idea of going into a classroom with a bunch of men who are charged with first degree murder, first degree kidnapping and severe sexual assault. However, as we settled down and began the class, I was shocked by how “normal” they were and how the situation quickly turned from being scary criminals in a prison to human beings with minds and opinions in a classroom. They were laughing and cracking jokes with us, actively participating in class discussion and showed a lot of respect towards my boss. At the end of the class, we were able to ask them questions and a few stayed on after to talk to us personally before we left to go home.
It was such a disturbingly bizarre experience. I was struck by how smart and knowledgeable these men were and how much they wanted to learn and be a part of the class. What really hit home however, was when they talked about how much this class meant to them and how much they valued this opportunity to get an education. One individual in particular mentioned that it changed his life. He had a great sense of humor and was incredibly friendly and open. Had I met this individual outside of the prison, I would never ever have suspected him of committing the crime that he did.
I will never see these individuals again, so I doubt their behavior wasn't genuine but again it is hard to say. It is hard to know what to think in these situations. On the one hand they act like you and me. They are human beings, with families, feelings, minds, desires to make a living and have a family. On the other hand, they have committed some of the most heinous crimes. You think, they should be punished and sentenced for life in prison but then you walk out of that gated, guarded, barb-wired, brick block and you think “Well, that’s easy to say when I am able to walk out so freely and resume my life, dreams and goals”. How can they be so human and inhuman? Are they really just bad, manipulating people? Where they too young to know what they did? Did they lack guidance and love? Why, why, why did they do what they did? Should they be given a second chance? Imagine serving 75 years or more in prison…that’s your life right there stripped of freedom.
If there is one thing that I am certain however, is that EDUCATION can and will make a difference for EVERYONE. After this visit and hearing the men talk about their progression from being inarticulate kids to what they are now, I feel like I should do something related to teaching. At this moment, it seems like the only solution to steering kids away from trouble and giving everyone equal opportunities. Let’s see what tomorrow brings…
Sunday, June 14, 2009
This experience just keeps on getting better and better
Friday night, I took Stacey (the woman I met on the plane) up on her offer and went to the Coldpay concert. I went with Jessica who is one of the other interns I am working with, who aside from being very smart, is a riot and so much fun to be with. So, together we went to one of the best concerts I have ever seen. The whole performance was just so well done. The quality of the music, the talent and coordination of the artists, the lighting, special effects, songs and interaction with the audience was just fantastic. And the best part, was that we were sitting in the front row just feet away from the performers. Not only am I grateful to Stacey for giving me this incredible opportunity, but it was just one of those events that meant more to me than I can explain.
Soppiness aside, I have been familiarizing myself with my neighbors and my neighborhood. I walked to the Farmers market yesterday morning and bought some healthy greens and supported the local community. I then stopped at an independently owned coffee house, where I treated myself to some lovely tea, and later returned to watch a live performance with friends. I then spent the rest of the afternoon decorating my room and finally settling in. In the evening, I was introduced to more of Jessica’s friends including, another terrific, warm-hearted and worldly personality, a funny/sarcastic, Mohawked-punk and a shy, emo-ish, horticulturalist, who all go to school in the area. I invited all of them to my place for a house warming party, where we drank wine and played board games. We then migrated next door to my neighbors place, Lurch, who is a one-legged tattoo artist and a fascinating character. I am glad to say that I have made a good impression on all of them, and they have all gladly taken me under their wings and plan on showing me more sides of DesMoines and Iowa, than I would never see on my own.
I am so so glad that I decided to take a chance and live and work in a place that has introduced me to some people that I would have never considered talking to otherwise. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, they have been extremely open, curious, friendly and welcoming. This has already been an incredible experience and I haven’t even started my internship yet! However, based on our orientation and introduction on Friday it is going to be just as life-changing! More to come…
Soppiness aside, I have been familiarizing myself with my neighbors and my neighborhood. I walked to the Farmers market yesterday morning and bought some healthy greens and supported the local community. I then stopped at an independently owned coffee house, where I treated myself to some lovely tea, and later returned to watch a live performance with friends. I then spent the rest of the afternoon decorating my room and finally settling in. In the evening, I was introduced to more of Jessica’s friends including, another terrific, warm-hearted and worldly personality, a funny/sarcastic, Mohawked-punk and a shy, emo-ish, horticulturalist, who all go to school in the area. I invited all of them to my place for a house warming party, where we drank wine and played board games. We then migrated next door to my neighbors place, Lurch, who is a one-legged tattoo artist and a fascinating character. I am glad to say that I have made a good impression on all of them, and they have all gladly taken me under their wings and plan on showing me more sides of DesMoines and Iowa, than I would never see on my own.
I am so so glad that I decided to take a chance and live and work in a place that has introduced me to some people that I would have never considered talking to otherwise. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, they have been extremely open, curious, friendly and welcoming. This has already been an incredible experience and I haven’t even started my internship yet! However, based on our orientation and introduction on Friday it is going to be just as life-changing! More to come…
Friday, June 12, 2009
Day one in DesMoines
Wow, What a day of chaos, fun and fright! My flight from Columbus was delayed and so I was rerouted to Memphis Tennessee and then to DesMoines, which wasn’t too bad except that the bags of course were delayed in the process. But the upside was that I did not have to lug my bike box, suitcase and sheets all around the airports. The other really cool thing that happened (it happens a lot and is the greatest thing about traveling) was that I met a terrific woman called Stacey who is in the music business. After a heart to heart conversation, sharing memories and our love for books, she has offered me tickets to see a Coldplay concert, that she is organizing, FOR FREE! Yep... Moral of the story…talk to people next to you on the plane. In addition to witnessing the incredible connection between human beings, you might get free tickets to a concert!
Arriving in DesMoines was easy and smooth. I was met on time by my boss Katie who is SO nice and responsible and worldly. She drove me around the city and showed me where to buy food, go to the park, ride my bike etc. She even bought me dinner and then took me to my apartment.
Now for the not so good part…The location of the apartment is a little sketchy, or really I should say, it is not what I expected or what I am used to. It is a low income housing sector, which according to my prejudices, makes me very uneasy. When I asked the building manager if there were any problems around the area he assured me that it was safe and that there is no trouble. "We never had to call the cops except for yesterday when some guy forgot to take his meds and caused a bit of "trouble", but other than that you should have nothing to worry about..." (um....what?) Anyways, I have to say though that I really like my little studio. It has everything that I could possibly want including a little balcony and lots of light. I have been setting up and arranging for the past 6 hours and I am glad to say that everything is quiet and calm. I start my internship training tomorrow.
So I thought I was going to have an interesting and challenging internship…well turns out it is a whole package deal. Living on my own, alone, in an uncomfortable neighborhood, in a city and a state that I am not familiar with, the only contact being my boss…yes this will be challenging but like all experiences which are challenging, their outcomes seem to be the most rewarding.
Arriving in DesMoines was easy and smooth. I was met on time by my boss Katie who is SO nice and responsible and worldly. She drove me around the city and showed me where to buy food, go to the park, ride my bike etc. She even bought me dinner and then took me to my apartment.
Now for the not so good part…The location of the apartment is a little sketchy, or really I should say, it is not what I expected or what I am used to. It is a low income housing sector, which according to my prejudices, makes me very uneasy. When I asked the building manager if there were any problems around the area he assured me that it was safe and that there is no trouble. "We never had to call the cops except for yesterday when some guy forgot to take his meds and caused a bit of "trouble", but other than that you should have nothing to worry about..." (um....what?) Anyways, I have to say though that I really like my little studio. It has everything that I could possibly want including a little balcony and lots of light. I have been setting up and arranging for the past 6 hours and I am glad to say that everything is quiet and calm. I start my internship training tomorrow.
So I thought I was going to have an interesting and challenging internship…well turns out it is a whole package deal. Living on my own, alone, in an uncomfortable neighborhood, in a city and a state that I am not familiar with, the only contact being my boss…yes this will be challenging but like all experiences which are challenging, their outcomes seem to be the most rewarding.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Four scores and seven years ago...
Upon driving from Wickford R.I. to Circleville Ohio, my mom and I decided to stop overnight in the small but important town of Gettysburg P.A. Being a new American, this was a very meaningful, insightful and, in a way, humbling experience. I know very little about the Civil War but as I spent time in Gettysburg, visiting the Civil War museum, the David Wills house (where President Lincoln stayed) and walking around the now beautiful grounds upon which the battle of Gettysburg took place, I have come a little closer to understanding my grandparents generation and what makes the U.S. what it is today.
"Four scores and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal".
President Abraham Lincoln.
Liberty and Freedom. These men who fought in the Civil War, fought to give me and my generation the privileges that I have today: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom to live the way I choose. This is something that cannot be disregarded or forgotten. However, does everyone in the United States have the same freedoms that I do? Does a nation "of the people, by the people, for the people" exemplify equality and liberty for all? We are definitely working towards it but we are not there yet. This will be exemplified throughout my internship working with people, who do not share these same freedoms. Should freedom be a privilege or a right? Should it be earned or should it be available for everyone? Furthermore, who defines freedom? I am not trying to be facetious or bash the United States. As I told my mom, I am very young, influential and liberal and I am just trying to grasp and understand this incredibly fascinating country and trying to figure the best possible way of giving back, helping others and being a good citizen. This experience was good food for thought and appropriate before starting my internship...
"Four scores and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal".
President Abraham Lincoln.
Liberty and Freedom. These men who fought in the Civil War, fought to give me and my generation the privileges that I have today: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom to live the way I choose. This is something that cannot be disregarded or forgotten. However, does everyone in the United States have the same freedoms that I do? Does a nation "of the people, by the people, for the people" exemplify equality and liberty for all? We are definitely working towards it but we are not there yet. This will be exemplified throughout my internship working with people, who do not share these same freedoms. Should freedom be a privilege or a right? Should it be earned or should it be available for everyone? Furthermore, who defines freedom? I am not trying to be facetious or bash the United States. As I told my mom, I am very young, influential and liberal and I am just trying to grasp and understand this incredibly fascinating country and trying to figure the best possible way of giving back, helping others and being a good citizen. This experience was good food for thought and appropriate before starting my internship...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
So this is my first blog and my first attempt at better reaching out to all the people I care about who are scattered around the world. From here on, I will be sharing my thoughts about my everyday life so that those who wish, can follow what I am doing and have an idea of what I am up to without having to constantly play phone tag or engage in infrequent e-mail replies.
Right now, I find myself in Ohio with my mom and appreciating the vastness of the home of aviation. I am relishing in the warm and colorful weather, going on bike rides, reading books and enjoying being in a home. It is now 11: 30 am and I am still in my PJ's. Must remedy that...
Right now, I find myself in Ohio with my mom and appreciating the vastness of the home of aviation. I am relishing in the warm and colorful weather, going on bike rides, reading books and enjoying being in a home. It is now 11: 30 am and I am still in my PJ's. Must remedy that...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
