Blog #8: As the Plane Set Down

One of my favorite philosophers, Soren Kierkegaard, once argued that the problem with “the present age,” modernity for that matter, is that it has become a period of reflection, of constant reflection. In modernity, people have become incapable of having genuine experiences anymore, as reflection, and comparison thereof, taints the ingenuity of experience. Furthermore, reflection creates a society of idle doers, of people who spend their time and words frivolously, talking about the latest fashion, or celebrity scandal, disaffected by matters of any real consequence. If Kierkegaard had left his commentaries on modernity at that, it would be safe to say that I would not have quoted him as a favorite philosopher of mine. In fact Kierkegaard goes on to describe the dynamics of modernity and the potential for a fulfilled life, yet it is one that does not lie in reflection. So, for me, rather that writing my final blog on all of the things that I either did or didn’t do during my stay in Oaxaca, let me tell you about where I find myself now, at this moment in my life. Less a reflection, and more akin to the original application essay, it should serve as a reiteration and refocusing of my goals and aspirations for the future, as I arrive home from Mexico.

 

When I get home tonight, I am going right over to my Abuela and Abuelo’s house to celebrate my mom’s birthday, and a part of me is excited to see how long we can carry a conversation in Spanish now. At the least, I’m excited to work with them on improving my Spanish and I hope that one day I will become somewhat fluent. Also, I look forwards to finishing up my last semester as an undergrad, which means I will be cast out into “the real world” come May. I realize that I need to take time and make sure that I have a clear idea of what it is I would like to do, and how I will be able to do it. As with anything I expect changes to the plan, but I need to make sure that I have a plan. For now I think applying to law school, and environmental law, could lead to a promising career, at the same time I feel as though I need to give something back my community. Poverty is rampant in this world, even in our own country, the only thing that saddens me more that the condition itself is the ignorance of those with wealth. It is a goal of mine to spend some time working and giving back to the poor, marginalized, and underprivileged. Another thing that I would like to do is teach, whether in the formal or informal setting, I realize that I have been very lucky in my education and the responsible thing to do would be to spread the knowledge I have gained and a love for learning. Finally, I look forwards to writing and finishing my thesis this semester. The fact that it is actually going to be completed in my last semester as an undergrad is exciting for me. I look forwards to actually asking people for help, and having input into the creative process. More than anything I am glad to be coming home, and I feel as though I have gained a new and distinct perspective of what the word means, home. 

-Jeremy-