The First of Many

My identity is defined by the physical places that have built my soul, those that enchant me and call me out into the world, and a spiritual sense that we are all deeply connected despite the better efforts of borders, language, culture, and ideology. If you and I were to sit in a circle of strangers, I would introduce myself as one who manifests her dreams, a pusher – a restless spirit with an insatiable thirst for life and new experience. I have undertaken the cultivation of patience as a spiritual exercise because I know that today at this time in St. Paul, MN holds just as much adventure to offer as tomorrow noon in Bali or Bombay if I'm willing to get up and find it.

I recently graduated from college where I studied Economics. I love economics because it is the study of the choices we make in the face of scarcity. The recent years provided ample evidence for my economic studies and exploration. Next year I will study in Delhi on scholarship through the Rotary Foundation. There my pen and paper will pursue graduate classes in regional planning and economic development. Meanwhile my mouth will pursue studies in the Hindi language (and India’s other twenty some official languages) as well as curry, chai, and hopefully lots of naan. Between now and then I am working for a consulting company doing work in the areas of higher education, rural economic development, and leadership. You can expect much more on my work and my upcoming travels as this blog continues.

The first place to capture my heart was Minnesota which is my home. As a Minnesotan I have more to say about the weather than most normal human beings. I believe that government has an important (but not primary) role in creating healthy and prosperous communities. My nature also tells me to be politically correct, do my best not to offend and if the need to express any strong opinion should arise that the word “interesting”—spoken in that lingering and indecipherable way that only a true Minnesotan can pronounce—will cover all of the bases. I enjoy the outdoors and camping and can tell you what time of year it is by the texture of the light and the weight of the air.

My wanderlust has been fed by many travel experiences. I was blessed with two wonderful parents who showed my brother and me the beauty of the United States when we were very young. I never learned the “Fifty Nifty United States” song in grade school but I have visited nearly half of them. My other travels include Canada, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Italy. You can read the blog I kept during my semester abroad in Vina del Mar, Chile for more about that adventure. I am always planning a trip or new experience. The process of dreaming up an adventure is almost as fun as putting your feet on the ground to explore a new place. My "Always Dreamin'" list will keep you in the loop with my 'current life plans'.

Until next time,

Anna