Although Naim is my supervisor (not boss – he hates that word) and everything we do when we’re together is technically work (or at least productive enough that it counts as hours), as of today we are officially friends (he asked if I would still be his friend after this internship and I said yes), so I think sharing this experience I had with him doesn’t count as being “at my placement.”
A few weeks ago, we attended Allied Media Conference, specifically one day-long conference on the similarities between Detroit and Puerto Rico, as well as discussing solidarity with Puerto Ricans fighting for liberation. This conference did a few things for me:
- It got me really hyped about Detroit revolution and activism. Some speakers were very inspirational when speaking about “taking back what’s ours” – both speakers from Puerto Rico and Detroit
- It made me understand a bit about what’s going on in Puerto Rico – a place I didn’t even know was going through so much right now.
- It made me really want to learn Spanish. Seriously, what a beautiful (and super useful) language.
- It made me appreciate all forms of social activism. Seeing people so passionate about issues I really knew nothing about was more moving than I thought it would be. It reminded me that everyone has their own background, and they are invested in things dear to them. We can be similar in spirit but still not be focused on exactly the same fights, and that’s okay.
- Stemming from #4, I just got a little punch in the face from reality, reminding me that I have a lot more to learn about the world. I don’t want to get so content with my own experience that I stop trying to learn more about others’.
I’m grateful for this, and grateful for Naim exposing me to so many new cultures and experiences. I love you, friend!
Awe~* Thanks, Elsie Welsie. We must remain humble, and be open to consistent growth. Life is a learning experience and classroom. If you’re not learning, you’re not living <3