this past weekend i went home to ottawa. not that ottawa is where i'm from, but there is an amazingly palpable difference between the united states and canada that i hadn't realized until we hit the tarmac of the ottawa airport and i breathed a giant sigh of 'ah, i'm back.'
i spent the weekend at the killam/fulbright orientation, which was an enlightening and professional three days of events together that allowed us to discuss everything from our upcoming years in each others' countries, to national identity, to hockey plays.
i found myself consistently counting my blessings throughout the proceedings, finding myself amid fascinating people, with diverse interests, talents, and immense knowledge. yet amid these wonderfully academic people (i hesitate to say academics because it seems to put unnecessary borders around personalities) i found a wonderful down-to-earth and level-headed outlook on life, not to mention some great senses of humour! on our last evening together, i sat amid a group of american fulbright scholars and students ranging in age from bushy-tailed to experienced, and listened as insightful and warm conversation washed over me. this was our way of unwinding after a very fun game of hockey had transpired earlier that evening, and we were the crowd eager to continue our conversations, but not inspired to do so at the local pub. several times i came very close to tears, overwhelmed as i was by the situation i found myself in. how privileged i have been throughout my life to end up where i am right now. what amazing people i have met through my travels. wonder where the next twenty years will take me?
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