Sayonara

Hey all,

Today was the last day of summer camp. After working there for ten weeks, I'm leaving my fun summer job proud and eager. I biked the 3.5-mile path to work pretty much every day, leaving at 6:30a and returning at about 4:30p. Thanks to Stefan for making that beautiful bike available to me! I played a little bit for the camp's intramural soccer team, which ended up winning the championship! I learned how to stretch my patience with campers, and when patience is the last thing they need. I flexed my creative muscles, pouncing on every opportunity to speak with campers in other languages, or chances to incorporate stories into activities. This reminded me of just how valuable storytelling is, even in the age of video games.

I also realized just how much I crave structure; though I insisted that it was a necessity for the campers, oftentimes I found it was I who relied on it the most. I'm learning to invest more in taking care of myself; my allergies are more than seasonal, and not something I can afford to brush off. I also woke up physically to my body's needs: though the sedentary lifestyle suits my studious tendencies well, it's borderline deadly when it comes to relationships. If I want to be happy, I need the energy to spend time with the people that make me happy: without exercise, I don't have that energy.

Last night, I attended my mom's weekly meditation class, where I listened to a talk given by Phagyab Rinpoche. It was lengthy (his words were being translated), but well worth it. After, she took me out for boba, which I had been craving all week. Normally I get red bean, but recently I've taken to hot black sesame boba on cold nights... yum. I love Berkeley.

Last weekend, I went on a rampage in my mom's backyard. The normally hard dirt had turned into clay from slight neglect, and last Saturday I felt the satisfaction of tilling the soil of my home. There are plants happily living there now, and I plan to give them some more neighbors before debarking for France at the end of September.

I'll be teaching at a high school in Angers. Assuming I get my visa, that is...

The end of camp also indicates a shift in priorities: instead of making my lunch the day before and investing everything I've got in the days to come, I'll be working on an application for graduate school. If accepted, I'm looking at the biggest step of my career. I'll be getting a PhD in Comparative Literature, for the curious among you.

Summed up, this night is bittersweet. But once we've acknowledged the bitterness, it only allows for a deeper appreciation of the sweet. So I'm indulging my sweet tooth tonight with happy reflections on my past, present, and future.

Best,
Ben