Namaste Readers,
Although expectations didn't dictate my experience, tasks, nonetheless, guided my time. According to the 1st blog article for this whole endeavor, I had 8 tasks to complete.
I only completed 1 internship because I didn't want to spread myself thin ( budget also played a role in this decision ). I finished reading the 18 journal articles; I only took notes, so I haven't formed a synthesis of sorts. I started the GRE Lit Review; the book I read definitely gave me plenty of tips ( I'm preparing to take the practice test to help study for the actual test in October ). I definitely kept up with my blog ( blog overkill ), and I read for fun too. I didn't finalize any PhD applications, but I revised a "Statement" for a University, and also researched another University's program. I didn't complete the Peace Corps application, but I applied to other Assistant Directorship positions. After being pick-pocketed, my zest for exploration diminished; nonetheless, I explored the various malls I encountered along the way from my cousin's house to my place, plus the eateries in Katipunan Avenue. I didn't complete everything, but I did other things to make up for the incompletes ( such as running and freelance tutoring ).
See Summary Below:
-internship(s) [complete]
-research ( 18 journal articles ) [complete]
-GRE Lit Review [somewhat]
-blog updates [complete]
-fun reading [somewhat]
-PhD applications/ essays [incomplete]
-Peace Corps application [incomplete]
-Urban exploration ( Quezon City ) [somewhat]
Beyond the surface of material accomplishments, I tried to explore the profound ( that makes life or something like it more meaningful, diba? ). Ever since I migrated to the U.S. in 1993, I've returned to the Philippines 5-6 times: before high school (1999), before college (2003)?, Christmas during college (2004), project during college (2006), 1 year after completion of MAs program (2010), 6 months after the last time (Summer 2011).
Of course, it became more difficult to leave with each visit. For some reason, I couldn't blindly follow the "Immigrant Narrative" ( of leaving the "Old" world behind and starting fresh in this "new" land of opportunity ). Meanwhile, I couldn't just go back and leave this new land. I've established ties in both lands. The phrase, "It's complicated" is such an understatement (that's why it's difficult to write the Philippines-American War). So I'm just learning to accept the complexity of it all ( as long as there are airplanes, and I have money, then I can "easily" travel between lands: distance is relative, diba? ).
But still, every blue moon, I do wonder what life would be like if I never left the Philippines ( and then I'm reminded of speculation's limitations ). In spite of the tribulations of being an immigrant ( even if my case wasn't as severe/unfortunate as other immigrants' cases; I'm one of the lucky immigrants, who have an awesome network of support/who have opportunities/ who are living the positive and good "Immigrant Narrative" ).
In conclusion (^ _ ^)V ... I realized that in spite of the complexity of it all, I'm grateful that my migration introduced me to "Art." The main function of Art for me is expression. If I weren't taken out of the proverbial pond, I wouldn't be grasping for air. Thus Art is like oxygen; breathing-living is expressing: expression in its various forms/media: visual (etc.), kinesthetic (writing/dancing etc.), auditory ( singing/Musicals etc. ) et. al. ( cooking etc. ). I had a catalyst/reason[s] to create Art, and with this expression comes a type of literacy, (especially) a Cultural Literacy. I learned to read various situations and context ( more apparent and applied during my recent internship: code switching, translating, negotiating, interacting with people, et. al. ). Muchas gracias everybody! Merci beaucoup la monde!
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