I often wondered what this would feel like. As I am now within a week of graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, it makes me wonder, and has others asking me "What now?" Rather than it being the end, I am choosing to view it as a new beginning. I have worked hard for the past 4 years, and found a great deal of academic success. I have made Dean's List with Highest Honors for the past four semesters, High Honors before that. The way I see it, that success will open a few doors that have remained closed for many years. Having a degree is more necessary now than ever, especially living in the Washington, DC area.
There are many opportunities that lay ahead. One of the first opportunities I have seized is beginning in January, I will be teaching a semester of Digital Photography classes at the Sitar Arts Center in Washington, DC. I have never taught before, but am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience over the next semester (and hopefully beyond). In addition, it is my hope that other doors may open, with other opportunities to do meaningful work within the community. Time will tell, but I believe Sitar is going to be a great beginning!
Over the next few weeks, things will get pretty hectic around here. My wife and I both in the midst of finals, we will be putting our daughter on a plane to fly to Idaho for a few weeks, and we will be preparing for one of our sons to visit from college. All that on top of taking my first trip to New Orleans! Can things get any crazier? Probably, but it is this kind of "feast or famine" of activity we seem to thrive on.
To close, I heard an interview with the late Henri Cartier-Bresson, and he said something that resonated within me. He was describing making a portrait of "an old lady" who was concerned about her wrinkles. He said he set her at ease about it, and then explained to his interviewer that he believed "After a certain age, you get the face you deserve, I think." Profound.
