Home stretch

Only two papers separate me from graduation! One is due tomorrow, the other is due Tuesday. Both topics are interesting (Climate change, coca, alternative development and security in Colombia, and Property Rights and Environmental Justice In Tension), but I'm ready to write for a more concrete purpose rather than a grade and for the inherent value of research/writing. The most fascinating topic still serves to address a prompt, not a long-term goal or project. I'm ready for the latter. :-)

Post paper deadlines, Ed and I will spend a few days in Seattle to attend our friends' wedding and for Ed to interview with a couple P&O clinics. I'm looking forward to some PNW time!

It is pretty amazing to think about graduation and reflect on the incredible opportunities I've had here at Michigan. I don't think I knew what to expect when I started these programs. Even if I had, I would have underestimated the life experiences provided by my courses. And I would have underestimated the university's ability to attract a graduation speaker. On May 1st I'll be sitting in the Big House, wearing teal (and russet brown), listening to Barack Obama address the class of 2010. Not bad. :-)

Ah, spring!!!

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." ~Henry David Thoreau

"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." ~Rachel Carson

"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." ~Aldo Leopold

"Is education possibly a process of trading awareness for things of lesser worth? The goose who trades his is soon a pile of feathers." ~Aldo Leopold

The beautiful weather and prospect of freedom have put me in a reflective mood. These reflections make me so grateful to be in the interdisciplinary field in which I find myself. Frustrating as this middle ground can be, it really brings harmony to my life and allows me to pursue something that I'm passionate about while still (hopefully!) making relevant contributions to the communities I interact with.

The Aldo Leopold quote about education is something that seems to resonate with how I've felt lately. Half the time, I feel like my education is more about communication than anything else. One thing I've learned through graduate school is that the good professors have tremendous amounts of intelligence and insight, but the great ones can communicate this intelligence to anyone on the street. These thoughts make me want to re-read A Sand County Almanac. Many thanks to Carl for introducing me to Leopold!