Entries for May, 2007
So, it's the beginning of a third decade for little old me. Were I to receive an award for making it to the quarter point of life, my acceptance speech would probably consist of an amateur smattering of thanks to those various persons who have urged me along while behind me flashes a montage of important milestones of my youth, life-altering lessons learned, and humorous escapades of a warm childhood.
I've not yet made enough of a name for myself to buck a tradition so firmly rooted in American culture, so I feel an acquiescence of sorts is appropriate. I thank God up above for blessing me with life and life again, for giving me the tools necessary to grow and flourish, and for guiding me every step of the way.
I thank my family for shaping me into the person I am today. My mother, who, despite a quick temper and a larynx that shook the timbers of my childhood, always embraced me with a boundless love that her small body couldn't possibly contain; who put up with my boyish antics and mistakes, stressed through my teenage years, and cowed me into submission even after she had to tilt her head up to stare me down.
My father, who in his own quiet way taught me by example the type of man I should be. To be respectful, kind, and accepting; to be relenting when possible and firm when needed; to have a sense of humor about things, to show all my teeth when smiling, to look people in the eye with a firm handshake - I'm told I look and act like my father, that I sound exactly like him. I feel proud when I hear someone say that.
My sister, who in her infinite love for me [though she'd never admit it], tormented me throughout our childhood. You've taught me how to be a brother, how to be an example for someone else, and most of all, to be patient. Don't ever feel like you're a step behind, like you're walking in a shadow. You're a fantastic, wonderful person, and you are loved more than you can ever imagine. Don't ever lose your playful nature. Pout often. You'll always be the baby, and that's a great place to be.
My friends, who have always been there for me. Growing up together through accomplishments and failures, through girl problems and identity crises, from the mischief of grade school to the experience of college; I can't imagine what direction my life would have taken if you guys weren't there. As much as you annoy me, I love all of you deeply.
The teachers who've taught me to learn and grow as a student and man, you are absolutely precious to every young person. You hold the noblest of all professions, and through your teachings I learn more and more about who I am and why I'm grinding through the books and tests. You're teaching me to become a part of a world that I'm just beginning to understand. I thank you sincerely.
Pray for me, encourage me, and watch me grow. Who knows? In twenty more years, you may see my name on the cover of a book or my face plastered on the side of a ridiculously oversized billboard, and you can say, "Hey, I know that guy."
This was a boring entry, I know. Cut me some slack, all right? It's my birthday.
Written by jihwan at 03:27 PM.
It is dynamically Spring here at Whitman. The sun is out, blowing golden kisses to those lucky enough to be outside. Students are somberly packing their belongings together for the summer. One can see couches flying through the air from third-floor dorm room windows, girls dashing about with farewell hugs and tears, and constant games of frisbee golf haunting wary passerby. The air is thick with tiny fluffs of cottonwood pixies floating about with the whims of the soft breeze. Students are lying here and there beneath the shade of brilliant green leaves, enjoying the final break from final exams.
After being holed up in the library poring through ancient texts on the Gallic wars and Roman imperialism, liberation from academics couldn't be sweeter. From cannonballing off 30-foot cliffs into a river just moments before it cascades over a 400-foot waterfall to running around shirtless on lush green wheatfields getting shot at by airsoft guns with yelps of pain, my leisure experience this year has been certainly different.
This summer will be a Russian one. I'm currently reading Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, and plan on picking up some Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Chekov. I'm quite excited.
As of today, I'm off to inner-city Tacoma to live out of a small apartment in the slums for two weeks. I'll be doing a lot of urban projects such as house building, working at soup kitchens, distributing food and clothes, and whatnot. I'll be living simply, with no phones, internet, and luxurty items, and it's supposed to really open our eyes to what the destitute experience daily. I'll keep my thoughts updated on a paper notepad and update them when I get back. Wish me luck.
Written by jihwan at 11:40 AM.