Open to the Future

University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge

Maybe I’m overly influenced by my own choices, but I can’t imagine a better way to prepare myself for the future than through education. While I’m drawn to the values of traditional academic institutions like the University of Cambridge, I’m not only referring to this type of education. Opportunities to study at institutions like these are few and far between, and are mostly offered to students who have had the chance to distinguish themselves in the past. Furthermore, significant financial resources are needed to take advantage of these opportunities. I’ll begin studying at one of these universities in the fall, but most of my more valuable educational experiences have, in the past, taken place outside of a traditional classroom.

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I Think I’m Home

Chalk cliffs at Beachy Head
Chalk cliffs at Beachy Head

The landscape of the South Downs at Beachy Head in East Sussex is one of the most visually striking scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Lush, rolling, green hills set against stark, cream chalk cliffs create an otherworldly effect. When I visited the area, cloud-filtered winter light gave everything a hazy, yellowish-gray tinge. A strong wind blew salty mist in from the sea during the entirety of my three day stay. Contrasting elements of harsh and soft had all of my senses working overtime. Read more

Glut Thy Sorrow

This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge really speaks to me. The prompt challenged bloggers to “share a photo inspired by a poem, verse, song lyric or story.” Photography and poetry go together like beauty and melancholy, like joy and sorrow. Opposites attract and complement one another, each bringing out the best in the other. Appreciation of these seemingly incongruous pairings is one of the biggest reasons I’m a fan of Romantic poetry, and John Keats in particular. His “Ode on Melancholy” is one of my favorite poems. It reminds me that life is full of deep sorrow and unbridled joy, but one cannot exist without the other, and neither one lasts indefinitely. Keats’ lines also suggest that beauty is, perhaps, best appreciated in a sudden fit of melancholy: Read more

Dance

Maryland Hunt Cup (2).jpg

This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge theme is dance. I’m fascinated with rhythms in life, and find myself drawn to experiences that provide a sense of cohesion and coordination, especially amidst outward chaos. Life is full of these sort of impromptu dances. That’s part of the thrill of attending the Maryland Hunt Cup each April. Steeplechasing, and horseback riding in general, is an exercise in creating a coordinated effort between horse and rider. In addition, behind-the-scenes efforts of owners, trainers, and countless other people contribute to the establishment of rhythm between horse and rider pairs. A steeplechase then puts this coordinated effort on display before a pulsing, fluid crowd of spectators who disperse around the course to watch the events unfold. Individual rhythms combine to produce a vibrant dance.

One Love

Biodiversity Outreach in Batete, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge theme is one love, focusing on images that communicate “expressions of pure joy, respect, loyalty, and sacrifice for someone other than ourselves, and instructions on letting go and focusing on what is most important in this world.” Read more