The location of the Institute on Sexuality in San Francisco lends a circular experience to the academic progress. Within the program, this past week gave me my A-HA moment as I listened to Lisa Diamond. Her work resonated in my quest to figure out my next step once I graduate undergrad. Aside from learning all I can in sexuality studies, my journey to NSRC was in hopes to shed light towards my next direction and make connections. I found both in classmates willing to share their journey to assist in deciding mine.
As I pursue my quest, the people within the program that I approach with questions, no matter how miniscule, have been gracious in opening up to my inquiry. I have a greater understanding of the many directions I can go, discover in greater detail the specific topics I gravitate towards, and the support available out there to amazing people nationwide. There exists within the program a vast amount of people whose work has already changed the world. I am recharged to continue fighting the fight that needs to happen in Virginia with the examples I see everyday.
Outside of the classroom, I've found a city full of people with vast knowledge and experience. The Radical Women ladies we met in Dolores park exchanged problem solving in activism work. The housesitting opportunity I had opened me up to the inner ideas of a sex worker activist as well as meeting a queer activist on his way to becoming a physician. A civil rights lawyer showed the way to the inner workings of a city. Even in the midst of a few minute conversation, there exists the connectivity of humanity to reinforce a right path or give tips on correcting a wrong one. From the gentleman in the bookstore who doesn't have to see the Harvey Milk movie because he lived it....to the 77 year old landlady who sheds grace upon the homeless in her neighborhood...even after being accosted by one, there are many personal narratives that are just beautiful.
I feel much like a sponge soaking up all the critters in the sea as I am exposed everyday to an immense amount of inspiration. If this is how I feel halfway through the program, I know already this will excede my expectations by the end.
