Gary, and anyone else who might be interested...

I just wanted to share my plans for this quarter. First, though, a brief 
collegiate history. For the past two years I have been focused on Latin 
American studies. It began in Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, where I 
traveled for an independent contract from August 2002 to July 2003. After a 
year of financial recovery and re-adjustment to life in the US, I took Latin 
America: Culture-Politics-Music-Language summer quarter 2004. Right now I am 
taking, in addition to this class, America Central, which explores the 
politics and ecology of Central America from 1950 to the present.

While traveling and after I returned home, I asked myself many questions: 
Why do I search for authenticity in unfamiliar places and people? Why do I 
feel more inclined to utilize my time and energy to better conditions in 
other countries rather than my own? Have I given up on my country? These 
questions inevitably led to more questions...

I have decided to hold myself back from jumping on the next plane to South 
America. Somewhere I read: "You evolve not by seeking to go elsewhere, but 
by paying attention to, and embracing, what's right in front of you." Since 
I returned "home," I have been counting the days until I could leave again. 
I have not yet embraced what is in front of me, and in the coming year I 
hope to do exactly that.

Specifically, I would like to explore the influences of Latin American 
culture on our collective culture in the United States, and to be directly 
involved in a learning exchange of sorts. I recently began tutoring English 
to two adults, one from Mexico and the other from El Salvador. So far it's 
great, and if it continues to go well I will be able to assist in an ESL 
classroom comprised of learners from all parts of Latin America. In 
addition, I have been reading En Aquel Entonces: Readings in 
Mexican-American History, and Subtractive Schooling: U.S.-Mexican Youth and 
the Politics of Caring, as well as A People's History.. and Pedagogy of the 
Oppressed. Other things I would like to do include going to a few salsa 
clubs (I live in Seattle) and going to the Dia de los Muertes celebration at 
the Seattle Center over Halloween.

If anyone has book suggestions or knows of cultural exhibits/ activities 
that would be relevant, please let me know!!

Thanks for reading my "post"--I look forward to learning about more projects 
as time goes on!!