Single
digit temperatures are ruling outside, but I’m beaming and thoroughly thrilled
after presenting for a favorite professor’s senior class. International Studies
Majors (who in my biased opinion are some of the coolest cats on campus) have
to write a research paper in their last semester of senior year in order to
graduate.
This
time last year, I was busy researching human trafficking in Kentucky, and I
loved every minute of it. I enjoyed the research process. I loved reading,
investigating, and compiling notes. I loved conducting interviews with advocates
who selflessly work to help others; I got to listen and share their stories. I
loved directing my writing with a purpose: to raise awareness about human
trafficking in Kentucky.
So, I was more than happy and absolutely
flattered to be asked by my professor to present to his current capstone senior
class about my experience writing the research paper. I didn’t want to waltz
into the classroom and preach to a group of students who are probably around my
age.
“I’m
on your side,” I silently tell them before I’m introduced to speak.
I
went up to the front of the classroom (flashback!) in the hopes that at least
one person could benefit from my research writing experience. I was
appreciative of the students, who listened attentively and asked insightful,
good questions about human trafficking and tips for writing their paper. I felt
grateful to have a professor who believed in me and in my research.
I
walked back out into the sunny, biting cold day feeling energized and excited
about life. And this is a feeling I’ve been looking for lately. I listen to my
feelings for clues on how to interact with people and for insights on making
decisions. Right now, this post-grad gal has been reflecting on what makes me
feel alive. And after the presentation, where I got to interact with students
and talk about my writing and my research on human trafficking, I felt fully
alive.
I’m
reveling in this feeling. I’m also taking a moment to pause and ask a few
questions:
What is
it exactly about this experience that inspired this feeling of aliveness? How
can I nurture those passions? What is the next step so they can grow and become
more permanent fixtures in my reality?
This little self-inquiry reminds me of a Howard Thurman quote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
Thinking
about some of my favorite people, I realize they are people who are fully
engaged and alive. They have a sparkle in their eye and they are passionate and
driven. They make mistakes, but they shine the brighter for them because they
are seekers; they’re feeling their way out through life. I love it when I see
friends embracing their talents, taking small, but significant steps toward
living and breathing what makes their heart dance.
These
friends inspire me. By being their authentic selves they encourage me to be
authentic and courageous. I’m smiling as I think of a childhood friend whose
passion for music has led her to represent bands and travel around the country
with them as a tour manager. She’s bold and when I’m with her, I feel bold,
too.
As
the frigid cold reigns on, I’m taking this sweet moment to simply be here,
feeling whole-heartedly Alive.
