Back at school

I seem to be falling into old habits, not really taking pictures as school picks up. I'm trying to change that- hopefully being in a photography class will motivate me a bit more. I took this photograph while trying to get a feel for my neighborhood here, actually prompted by a photography class assignment. It was weird to see someone standing around here, let alone standing in perfect light.

Inauguration

Barack Obama is our president. Yesterday, I joined the millions of people on the mall to watch the inauguration of our 44th president. In the midst of the crowd, I could feel the energy and excitement instantly but I was unaware of the true enormity of the crowd, which stretched from the capitol building to past the World War II memorial.














This is the first time I can remember being enthusiastic about our leader, however I'm keeping in mind that our country will face a lot of problems in the next few years, despite the president. While Obama's speech was inspiring and powerful, the most significant moment for me was seeing Bush's helicopter leave the District of the Columbia as people on the ground cheerfully waved goodbye (and good riddance, for that matter.) I had been waiting for that day for what seems like an eternity. I'm not longer embarrassed by our leader and I'm grateful I was able to witness this historic day.

These United States

Mobile, Alabama

The past four days I was in Mobile, Alabama participating in Habitat for Humanity with other NYU students. My opinion of the trip was mixed- I understand that the goal of Habitat for Humanity is not just to build houses but it emphasizes that the builders themselves should have an interesting experience. Throughout the trip I was uncomfortable that the work I was doing wasn't especially good (my construction skills are lacking to say the least) and that the whole process wasn't especially efficient or effective. Perhaps I would feel differently if we had spent more time working and I could see more progress.











Mobile itself is different from most places I've been. I'm unaccustomed to the sprawling cities of the south. Also, it appears that almost everything in downtown Mobile closes by 6. Nights were dull and I usually spent them seeking out what few vegan options they have in the south- not an easy task between soul food and seafood restaurants. Either way, it was great to get to know my classmates.







On our last afternoon, we left the Habitat for Humanity site early and visited a community program called "The Light of the Village" in the most crime ridden neighborhood of Mobile. The Light of the Village was started by a married couple from New Mexico who explain that God put it in their heart to bring them to Mobile and help disadvantaged youth. The community center was built from what was a crack house and eventually developed into a summer camp and then even a school with about 10 kids. The couple who started the Light of the Village explained how one volunteer has taken in at least 20 children who were found abandoned by their parents, living in houses without running water or electricity.











The children were cute and fun to play with but it was very sad to see how their behavior reflects their upbringing- or lack thereof. The couple's optimism was incredible, however they wouldn't take credit for what they had done- still emphasized that it was God who allowed them to have the strength to do it. Regardless, it's a pretty incredible task to take on.

Some old photos.

Since I visited New York City for the first time at the age of 13, I always dreamed of spending my entire life there. I would marvel at the purple flags hanging from buildings by Washington Square Park, crossing my fingers that one day I would wear that color and enter those buildings. I worked tirelessly, never forgetting my only goal. As far as I was concerned, New York City was where I was meant to be and it was only a matter of time before I got there.

By the time I was 17, I was singing an entirely different tune. For most of my childhood, I ignored the District of Columbia despite its proximity- a whopping 30 feet from my house. As my taste in music developed, I became fixated on the local music scene. After a few months of frequenting the 9:30 Club and Black Cat, I stumbled across These United States. I instantly fell in love with their live shows - their sound is fun and interesting; their jaunty demeanor intoxicating. For many months, I went to every show I could- trying to capture their live show in photographs. Through These United States, I found more and more local musicians and discovered a community within a city I previously thought had nothing to offer me. I started to wonder if I really could leave a city I was just beginning to appreciate.

  

I applied to NYU and a handful of DC schools, figuring I would probably end up staying in the area. I wavered for months, constantly questioning my decision. Winter came around and I had a better reason than ever to stick around. But the letter came and I did what I thought was right. 

And now I live in New York City, a decision I'm ultimately happy about, however I feel a resistance to really letting myself live out my life there.  You would hardly know I'm living in New York City - I have very little to show for the past four months. A few snaps here and there, but all together very little effort. Maybe I just don't want to confront it yet- that I've left DC but can't quite feel at home in New York. My hope is that I'll start sifting through it more - picking up my camera and noticing the things around me in my new environment. We'll see.