Limited access to group computer...Get ready for some stream of consciousness writing!
I've been having some great religion talks lately, especially as I am one of my group's few (if only) agnostic/atheist representatives. Sleeping in churches, saying prayers at Habitat sites, and meeting residents glad we are doing "the Lord's work" makes the topic simply unavoidable. Delving into the details would violate some of the group trust, but I am definitely hearing some intriguing perspectives. Yay intellectual growth! On this note, thanks to Walmart I picked up my third book of the summer (Kite Runner). I find it disheartening that a 18 store Birmingham mall had 8 places to buy sneakers and no bookstore. Kick the kicks and mind your mind.
Here in Alabama, we've been getting an amazing reception from locals and media alike. Like the prior church hosts, they've served fantastic meals and greeted us with open arms, but the response here is so heartfelt. One man making us breakfast broke down into tears of pride for our efforts, other women insisted on having photos taken with us, and all showed signs of awe and gratitude. My fellow riders and I have been discussing how wild this sort of reaction is. Even after doing 210 miles in two days, we don't feel like heroes or martyrs, just tired college kids. Yet people tell us how we inspire or touch their lives...it's startling. As for the media, three news affiliates (ABC/NBC/FOX) in Birmingham put our Habitat Build Day on their 6 pm news. In Eastern Alabama, I made the cover of the regional newspaper (click here). I may have to go superhero on all you readers...
Batman (and Bike and Build Riders): A man is just flesh and blood and can be ignored or destroyed (or tired on his/her bike). But as a symbol... as a symbol, I (we) can be incorruptible, everlasting.
Here in Birmingham, we did some rewarding and valuable work on two Habitat homes, doing a combination of siding installation, interior painting, and shelving construction. In the evening, I took a solo adventure downtown to see the site of the 1963 16th St Church bombing and stroll the streets. While a quaint city, the downtown was eerily quiet at 5:30 pm. During my roaming, a wonderful thing happened. As I entered the public bus, I realized I lacked the correct change for fare. Asking the lady in front of me for last second change, she smiled and said "Don't worry about it honey." As we rode together, Tamira directed me to the Birmingham places of interest and gave me some local history. With my wallet filled with Smile Cards, I had received an amazingly pure random act of kindness myself. This simple act filled me with joy, and I thank Tamira once again. Though she didn't want her picture taken, I will not soon forget her smile. On that note, other photos will come soon in a big burst.
Better go to sleep now as I have to wake in 6 hours to bike 95 more miles: Woohoo! As I am burning through books, my question is simple: what should I read next? (Note Kerouac's Dharma Bums is on deck).
Our Route!
Charleston, SC to Santa Cruz, CA: May 26 to August 14
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Length of a Century
102 miles. We biked it. In 90 degree heat, we bested metropolitan Atlanta traffic and navigated rural Georgia to reach Heflin, Alabama in time for amazing home-cooked fried chicken dinner. It wasn't all gravy though...it was a crazy day. Everything started brilliantly...cruising into lunch early, finding an odd Podunk museum, and savoring a local ice cream shoppe's $1 cones. Their blueberry cheesecake flavor: simply succulent. Cycling takes you to novel places like Bremen, GA, a small one street old railroad town. Meandering around town, I decided to walk into the City Hall. I was amused and amazed that the mayor's office shared a glass wall with the lobby. Any resident can see his/her elected public official at work at their leisure. If only government were so transparent at all levels...
As the day waned on, Jake and I cruised ahead, talking about community service, neighborhoods, and the peculiar sheared llamas we saw alongside the road. Things were going swimmingly as we joined up with some other riders to cruise the windy "rural-urbia." It all happened in an instant. Like many times before, a group of dogs saw our fleet of cycles and charged barking fiercely. Startled by their approach, one of our riders Anne, veered left and accidentally into a nearby rider Justin. With unfortunate speed, they tumbled together to the pavement. While Justin hopped up with only a hip scrape, Anne was left with sizable shiner and a finger needing stitches. Both were safe and without serious injuries, but the scare was real. Cycling can be dangerous, and with longer riders, concentration and energy can run low, making accidents like these much more likely. We all will strive to stay vigilant and focused over the miles ahead.
While an accident is no laughing matter, even Anne couldn't help but be amused at the rural Georgia response to our precautionary ambulance call. First an Ambucare car arrives, with an EMT in dress pants and shined shoes daintly came and surveyed the situation. Next, the fire truck came with full sires. Its disheveled driver asked Anne's name, proceeding to record in by writing it on his hand in pen. Trying to hide my shock, I offered him some paper, to which he said 'nah, this'll do." Finally, the ambulance came to take her away. Note by this time three neighbors offered their help, advice, or blackeye size comparison analysis ('looks like a golfball from here). Got to love small towns.
Tomorrow we head into Birmingham, which will be a 87 mile adventure. Like much of our routes, this winds through backstreets to make for easier riding, but adds nearly 20 miles to the start-end distance. I am excited to get back on the saddle!
All of my time in Alabama is devoted to Grandma Betty, who donated an exceedingly generous sum to the affordable housing cause. She remains my Washington expert, the woman I know to call to get the pulse of national politics. The matriarch of the Kole household, my Grandma takes on a wide array of responsibilities to help her children and grandchildren have happier, healthier lives. I love her very much and thank her for everything she has done for me.
As the day waned on, Jake and I cruised ahead, talking about community service, neighborhoods, and the peculiar sheared llamas we saw alongside the road. Things were going swimmingly as we joined up with some other riders to cruise the windy "rural-urbia." It all happened in an instant. Like many times before, a group of dogs saw our fleet of cycles and charged barking fiercely. Startled by their approach, one of our riders Anne, veered left and accidentally into a nearby rider Justin. With unfortunate speed, they tumbled together to the pavement. While Justin hopped up with only a hip scrape, Anne was left with sizable shiner and a finger needing stitches. Both were safe and without serious injuries, but the scare was real. Cycling can be dangerous, and with longer riders, concentration and energy can run low, making accidents like these much more likely. We all will strive to stay vigilant and focused over the miles ahead.
While an accident is no laughing matter, even Anne couldn't help but be amused at the rural Georgia response to our precautionary ambulance call. First an Ambucare car arrives, with an EMT in dress pants and shined shoes daintly came and surveyed the situation. Next, the fire truck came with full sires. Its disheveled driver asked Anne's name, proceeding to record in by writing it on his hand in pen. Trying to hide my shock, I offered him some paper, to which he said 'nah, this'll do." Finally, the ambulance came to take her away. Note by this time three neighbors offered their help, advice, or blackeye size comparison analysis ('looks like a golfball from here). Got to love small towns.
Tomorrow we head into Birmingham, which will be a 87 mile adventure. Like much of our routes, this winds through backstreets to make for easier riding, but adds nearly 20 miles to the start-end distance. I am excited to get back on the saddle!
All of my time in Alabama is devoted to Grandma Betty, who donated an exceedingly generous sum to the affordable housing cause. She remains my Washington expert, the woman I know to call to get the pulse of national politics. The matriarch of the Kole household, my Grandma takes on a wide array of responsibilities to help her children and grandchildren have happier, healthier lives. I love her very much and thank her for everything she has done for me.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Falwell and the Family
Another day, another ride. Today we left Athens and the exceedingly generous church that hosted us (The spread they served for dinner could have fed Xerxes' armies), heading 60 miles into Norcross, a poorer suburb of Atlanta. Tonight we are staying in a games-loaded Boys and Girls Club before our service project with Rebuilding Together, a repair focused affordable housing organization. My legs feel ready and anxious to do more riding, but I will use this bike-free day to rest for the century ride into Alabama on Monday.
With my recent non-riding time, I read one of Jerry Falwell's books, The American Family. As I expected, many of his sentiments and opinions clashed with some of my most important values of equality and tolerance. Quotes like 'Life without Christ is one disappointment after another leading to death, despair, death, and eternal damnation" certainly rubbed me the wrong way. More troubling was his descriptions of liberals and secular humanists, as he assumed malice in their heart as they "strive to tear apart the American family." He bashed feminists, homosexuals, and anyone ever distributing contraceptives. All of these viewpoints were to be expected and can explain the perceptions of many in the 'Moral Majority.' Simply put, much of the book saddened me deeply.
However, there was more to this book than extremism. Interspersed between his rants, I found some interesting points I believe are worth sharing. He voiced concern with the rampant self-centered 'me-ism' of today's society in praised pursuits of personal liberation and self-gratification. In my own life, I have tried to balance these drives with commitment to community service. Falwell advocates for deepening faith in religion. Considering my interaction with Chuck days ago, this approach seems more effective than I would usually care to admit. Falwell also makes some astute commentary on the subtle messages of television, notably regarding sexual promiscuity. He writes, "During one recent TV season, unmarried partners outnumbered married partners 24 to 1, with limited to no concern voiced about birth control or STDs." I can remember in high school watching shows that suggested that premarital sex was norm and feeling an odd mix of inadequacy and self doubt. Not that I am advocating TV censorship, but it was something so pervasive I never even thought to question. Most valuable, Falwell opened my eyes to my occasional undeserved negative reactions to initiatives and values of the Christian right. Falwell described secular humanists (like me), "In their philosophy, every person can choose his or her own values and all choices are equal with one notable exception...the traditional Christian worldview." I can think of countless liberal friends who find great intrigue in Hindu or Confucian wisdom, but would never quote the Bible. I have been so trained as a Democrat to oppose the conservative Christian base that I may be stigmatizing a perfectly valid approach to life. I need to be more open, and considering the wide array of religious backgrounds on this trip, I can hopefully grow through respectful questioning and discussion. That said, don't hurry to Amazon...it will be some time before I delve back into this propaganda-laden literature.
I would like to dedicate today's post and ride to Uncle Matt, Aunt Beth, Anna and Joseph. This wonderful family has my full love and affection, making me feel special anytime I am in their presence. I am proud to be their nephew and elder cousin and hope to always be as warm and caring as they are. Thank you for everything you do.
Work tomorrow then on to Heflin, Alabama...which will be my first century ride! So much more to come...
With my recent non-riding time, I read one of Jerry Falwell's books, The American Family. As I expected, many of his sentiments and opinions clashed with some of my most important values of equality and tolerance. Quotes like 'Life without Christ is one disappointment after another leading to death, despair, death, and eternal damnation" certainly rubbed me the wrong way. More troubling was his descriptions of liberals and secular humanists, as he assumed malice in their heart as they "strive to tear apart the American family." He bashed feminists, homosexuals, and anyone ever distributing contraceptives. All of these viewpoints were to be expected and can explain the perceptions of many in the 'Moral Majority.' Simply put, much of the book saddened me deeply.
However, there was more to this book than extremism. Interspersed between his rants, I found some interesting points I believe are worth sharing. He voiced concern with the rampant self-centered 'me-ism' of today's society in praised pursuits of personal liberation and self-gratification. In my own life, I have tried to balance these drives with commitment to community service. Falwell advocates for deepening faith in religion. Considering my interaction with Chuck days ago, this approach seems more effective than I would usually care to admit. Falwell also makes some astute commentary on the subtle messages of television, notably regarding sexual promiscuity. He writes, "During one recent TV season, unmarried partners outnumbered married partners 24 to 1, with limited to no concern voiced about birth control or STDs." I can remember in high school watching shows that suggested that premarital sex was norm and feeling an odd mix of inadequacy and self doubt. Not that I am advocating TV censorship, but it was something so pervasive I never even thought to question. Most valuable, Falwell opened my eyes to my occasional undeserved negative reactions to initiatives and values of the Christian right. Falwell described secular humanists (like me), "In their philosophy, every person can choose his or her own values and all choices are equal with one notable exception...the traditional Christian worldview." I can think of countless liberal friends who find great intrigue in Hindu or Confucian wisdom, but would never quote the Bible. I have been so trained as a Democrat to oppose the conservative Christian base that I may be stigmatizing a perfectly valid approach to life. I need to be more open, and considering the wide array of religious backgrounds on this trip, I can hopefully grow through respectful questioning and discussion. That said, don't hurry to Amazon...it will be some time before I delve back into this propaganda-laden literature.
I would like to dedicate today's post and ride to Uncle Matt, Aunt Beth, Anna and Joseph. This wonderful family has my full love and affection, making me feel special anytime I am in their presence. I am proud to be their nephew and elder cousin and hope to always be as warm and caring as they are. Thank you for everything you do.
Work tomorrow then on to Heflin, Alabama...which will be my first century ride! So much more to come...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Into Georgia
Started June 4, concluded June 5...
Before summarizing the amazing past 24 hours, I would like to dedicate this post to Ryan Hall, another good friend of mine (and trip donor). Since the formation of the Foreign Legion, I have never known a more loyal friend. Though he can drive us crazy sometimes, Ryan has always been there for me. He even (and his lovely family) housed me for my entire senior year of high school! He is likely now in Virginia training to be a marine, also serving this nation in his own unique way. Thanks for being you.
Okay now the juicy stuff. Backtrack to dinner in Greensville at a ketch pizza place on the downtown strip. I met the family of a Bike and Build Board members and sparked a fascinating conversation with Mrs. West, a Brooklyn born home-school consultant. Learning from her expertise, I discovered home schooling has a 1 in 7 prevalence in South Carolina families and surprisingly produced better academic outcomes (GED and college degrees) than the public schools. Correcting my assumption, she told me that the choice for homeschool is rarely made for primarily religious reasons. The state provides a wealth of resources (laboratories and textbooks) to enable such education. Better results with better student freedom and parental involvement...what could be better? BUT a quick research into Greenville's gender income divide revealed the average woman made 10K less than same man. Maybe home schooling is so popular because women aren't encouraged/able to get outside jobs. Regardless, the conversation delved into many social issues, making it spectacular.
Afterwards, a bunch of the riders meandered over to see the end of the Greensville Drive baseball game (Class A). We were hooting and hollering, starting the way and dancing the Macarena. People really were starting to bond. Coming on home, we stumbled upon a glorious sight: a high school graduation after party. The Greenville Class of 2009 were congregated in the cities main park, awkwardly huddling in gender specific groups off the dance floor. I knew what needed to be done. I started breaking it down, as so many of you know I love to do, and the students started coming to life. First the pointing and laughing, but with some help from my fellow riders asking some grads to dance, we soon had the class bopping to the Electric Slide. They even gave me a commemorative cup from the school at the end of the party! I may need to drop by the 10th reunion.
Today we waved goodbye to South Carolina and biked into Hartwell, Georgia. Despite rain and getting a tad lost, I had a fantastic day on my 60+ miler. My joy may have been related to the DQ Snickers Blizzard I savored at the conclusion. In the evening, we did what any good hearted college aged kid would do in the south...go to a church mixer. Holy cow, Southern boys are big! Our Georgia native/expert Adam told me that daily weightroom visits of 2-3 hours are the norm starting in middle school. Without question, the most interesting person there was Chuck, a 26 year old church organizer. From ages 15-22, this powerful man was living 'hard,' dealing out drugs or violence to anyone coming his way. A near death experience on the street opened his eyes to the error of his misdoings, showing him "the light of God." For the last 4 years, he has worked with the troubled rural youth, organizing discussion groups, dances, and educational workshops to help them find a better way. With a wispy Fu Man Chu and flowing dreadlocks, he laughed heartily and hugged firmly at any opportunity. I guess what made this encounter so special was how it reopened the question of religion for me. It can do so much good for many, yet countries are divided and blood is shed in its name. One solution, education through collaborative interaction towards larger goals, has extensive support in psychological research literature. But how can we implement these things? Will we always be fighting misinformation and intolerance? From my evolutionary mindset, will we ever move beyond organized religion? A spiritual oneness or just a belief in shared humanity...whatever you believe...how can we motivate people to do good?
On a final note, in the hope to understand before being understood (Habit 5), I have selected a Jerry Falwell book as my next reading selection. I have many assumptions about the religious right, but its due time I opened my mind to hear their arguments. Where better to read this book than in the Bible Belt?
Photos upcoming...Now I need to go play in Athens, where I just arrived. Go Bulldogs!
Before summarizing the amazing past 24 hours, I would like to dedicate this post to Ryan Hall, another good friend of mine (and trip donor). Since the formation of the Foreign Legion, I have never known a more loyal friend. Though he can drive us crazy sometimes, Ryan has always been there for me. He even (and his lovely family) housed me for my entire senior year of high school! He is likely now in Virginia training to be a marine, also serving this nation in his own unique way. Thanks for being you.
Okay now the juicy stuff. Backtrack to dinner in Greensville at a ketch pizza place on the downtown strip. I met the family of a Bike and Build Board members and sparked a fascinating conversation with Mrs. West, a Brooklyn born home-school consultant. Learning from her expertise, I discovered home schooling has a 1 in 7 prevalence in South Carolina families and surprisingly produced better academic outcomes (GED and college degrees) than the public schools. Correcting my assumption, she told me that the choice for homeschool is rarely made for primarily religious reasons. The state provides a wealth of resources (laboratories and textbooks) to enable such education. Better results with better student freedom and parental involvement...what could be better? BUT a quick research into Greenville's gender income divide revealed the average woman made 10K less than same man. Maybe home schooling is so popular because women aren't encouraged/able to get outside jobs. Regardless, the conversation delved into many social issues, making it spectacular.
Afterwards, a bunch of the riders meandered over to see the end of the Greensville Drive baseball game (Class A). We were hooting and hollering, starting the way and dancing the Macarena. People really were starting to bond. Coming on home, we stumbled upon a glorious sight: a high school graduation after party. The Greenville Class of 2009 were congregated in the cities main park, awkwardly huddling in gender specific groups off the dance floor. I knew what needed to be done. I started breaking it down, as so many of you know I love to do, and the students started coming to life. First the pointing and laughing, but with some help from my fellow riders asking some grads to dance, we soon had the class bopping to the Electric Slide. They even gave me a commemorative cup from the school at the end of the party! I may need to drop by the 10th reunion.
Today we waved goodbye to South Carolina and biked into Hartwell, Georgia. Despite rain and getting a tad lost, I had a fantastic day on my 60+ miler. My joy may have been related to the DQ Snickers Blizzard I savored at the conclusion. In the evening, we did what any good hearted college aged kid would do in the south...go to a church mixer. Holy cow, Southern boys are big! Our Georgia native/expert Adam told me that daily weightroom visits of 2-3 hours are the norm starting in middle school. Without question, the most interesting person there was Chuck, a 26 year old church organizer. From ages 15-22, this powerful man was living 'hard,' dealing out drugs or violence to anyone coming his way. A near death experience on the street opened his eyes to the error of his misdoings, showing him "the light of God." For the last 4 years, he has worked with the troubled rural youth, organizing discussion groups, dances, and educational workshops to help them find a better way. With a wispy Fu Man Chu and flowing dreadlocks, he laughed heartily and hugged firmly at any opportunity. I guess what made this encounter so special was how it reopened the question of religion for me. It can do so much good for many, yet countries are divided and blood is shed in its name. One solution, education through collaborative interaction towards larger goals, has extensive support in psychological research literature. But how can we implement these things? Will we always be fighting misinformation and intolerance? From my evolutionary mindset, will we ever move beyond organized religion? A spiritual oneness or just a belief in shared humanity...whatever you believe...how can we motivate people to do good?
On a final note, in the hope to understand before being understood (Habit 5), I have selected a Jerry Falwell book as my next reading selection. I have many assumptions about the religious right, but its due time I opened my mind to hear their arguments. Where better to read this book than in the Bible Belt?
Photos upcoming...Now I need to go play in Athens, where I just arrived. Go Bulldogs!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Big News
The morning routine is becoming second nature now. Wake up 10 minutes before everyone else to get personal bathroom use, suit up in spandex/jersey/ridiculous-colored-socks outfit, complete my team's chore of the week (packing the trailer), then eat a hearty breakfast of Honey Nut Cheerios + Raisin Bran mix with bananas and a dollop of peanut butter. A luxurious 70 mile ride later, I arrived in Greensville, SC. Yesterday night we feasted on Southern BBQ and explored Handlebar, a (motor-)cycle joint with a bluegrass band. A peculiar lady named Sharon tried to teach us some steps, but after our crew was certain there was no pattern whatsoever to her steps, improvised the night away. Once again, people were surprised by my willingness to groove and jive. Fun times. Today has been a lovely day off, finishing my first book of the summer (White Oleander) before perusing the blossoming city of Greensville. I took in a late breakfast at Gene's classic 1950s 'Country Diner' before rounding up a group for putt-putt. Tonight we are all going to a celebrated local pizza place, which I will be sneaking out of early with a couple riders to catch some A level minor league baseball. Pictures on Greensville will be posted in a future post.
But the title of this post promises big news, so I should deliver. I have declined my offer to Cornell this fall...instead opting to attend Penn School of Medicine. Not only is this an upgrade in quality of education, but I believe it will provide a better environment for my own personal happiness. I have many friends (and maybe some family) that will be in Philadelphia and couldn't be more excited. I guess the more apt title of this post should have been Penn Again.
This does, however, have some implications for this summer's ride. Penn starts earlier than Cornell, so I likely will need to cut my route short. I still intend to get to the Pacific Ocean, but I will not be doing so in California. On August 1, I will leave my fellow riders and head west to water in Oregon. To all those that donated, I hope you do not see this abbreviated route as any swoon in my dedication to this cause. My total riding mileage will still be at least 3,400 miles (which is more than 1,000 miles more than the direct distance between the Charleston and Santa Cruz) and I will only be missing one build day in San Jose, CA. For those of you planning to meet me in Santa Cruz, I am sorry to disappoint, but this was the right decision for me.
So in my life, this definitely qualifies as a big change. Feel free to call me (773.633.3499) if you would like to talk about this more. Otherwise, I ride on, so read on!
But the title of this post promises big news, so I should deliver. I have declined my offer to Cornell this fall...instead opting to attend Penn School of Medicine. Not only is this an upgrade in quality of education, but I believe it will provide a better environment for my own personal happiness. I have many friends (and maybe some family) that will be in Philadelphia and couldn't be more excited. I guess the more apt title of this post should have been Penn Again.
This does, however, have some implications for this summer's ride. Penn starts earlier than Cornell, so I likely will need to cut my route short. I still intend to get to the Pacific Ocean, but I will not be doing so in California. On August 1, I will leave my fellow riders and head west to water in Oregon. To all those that donated, I hope you do not see this abbreviated route as any swoon in my dedication to this cause. My total riding mileage will still be at least 3,400 miles (which is more than 1,000 miles more than the direct distance between the Charleston and Santa Cruz) and I will only be missing one build day in San Jose, CA. For those of you planning to meet me in Santa Cruz, I am sorry to disappoint, but this was the right decision for me.
So in my life, this definitely qualifies as a big change. Feel free to call me (773.633.3499) if you would like to talk about this more. Otherwise, I ride on, so read on!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Newberry, SC
Written on June 1st...
First of all, amazing ride today. We went through sleepy rural roads, weaving through wide green pastures and friendly waving Southerners. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Part of this pleasure came from my engaging company. Determined to slow down in the morning, I spent the morning with Bryant doing some final Columbia perusing (including His House thrift shop with only $1 clothing). A Northern Virginia hipster and "a man of God," I've treasured Bryant's laid back attitude, shared quest for self-improvement, and Smiley face cycling socks. Eager to finish early and arrive in Newberry, I took a brief lunch and joined up with Sarah, a bike-addicted sophomore of Hampshire College. Discussing her college experiences and future international work aspirations, the miles flew by. We arrived first at the church, meeting a welcoming staff eager to make us comfortable.
First of all, amazing ride today. We went through sleepy rural roads, weaving through wide green pastures and friendly waving Southerners. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Part of this pleasure came from my engaging company. Determined to slow down in the morning, I spent the morning with Bryant doing some final Columbia perusing (including His House thrift shop with only $1 clothing). A Northern Virginia hipster and "a man of God," I've treasured Bryant's laid back attitude, shared quest for self-improvement, and Smiley face cycling socks. Eager to finish early and arrive in Newberry, I took a brief lunch and joined up with Sarah, a bike-addicted sophomore of Hampshire College. Discussing her college experiences and future international work aspirations, the miles flew by. We arrived first at the church, meeting a welcoming staff eager to make us comfortable.
Sauntering around Newberry, we came upon a small monument for Calvin Crozier. Reading the vague inscription, it seemed this town was celebrating the life of a man who killed black Union soldiers in 1865. I was horrified, my mind running down a trail of assumed racism. To clarify, I quickly headed to the public library. A moment of research clarified my leap in judgement. Crozier had killed black soldiers who were mistreating a woman, and when the town members blamed an innocent local black man, he stood tall and took the blame, admitting his guilt and assuring his death. He is a honorable hero. Why do I share this? So you are aware of the power of preconceptions and how it colors your perceptions. Never truly experiencing the rural South, my mind jumped to the negative, painting a picture from anecdotes and SNL jokes. Don't do the same.
I have photos! You can see them here.
This post is dedicated to Eranda Jayawickreme, a teacher of mine from the University of Pennsylvania Psychology Department. Both in Political Psychology and Positive Psychology, Eranda introduced me to fascinating new topics and encouraged student interaction. Outside the classroom, we found similar interests abound, frequently bumping into each other at lectures or Clark Park farmer's markets. I consider him a friend and thank him greatly for his donation.
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