The most valuable aspect of the SEF orientation, in my opinion, was the remarkable diversity of individuals both presenting and interning. Presentations were given by representatives of the ACLU, NAACP, MTC, UNC Civil Rights Legal group, KIPP Strive School, SEF, and many more (I apologize to those of you not into the whole brevity thing). Topics ranged from community organizing and non-profits to Brown v. Board and civil rights law. Paramount was the understanding that directionless passion is ineffective and a comprehensive understanding of the structures involved is necessary. Ironically, the more answers I received the more questions I had. The SEF orientation was a truly special opportunity to emerge myself in these topics and benefit from many intelligent and good-hearted people. Also, Billye Aaron spoke and I met her husband, so I've got that going for me.
Seeing B.B. King's performance was a great time, although his age was clearly weighing on him. But blues music certainly is the music of hope and no one's story indicates that more than B.B.'s.
One final note, while driving to Atlanta we stumbled across an entire neighborhood that had been utterly demolished by this spring's tornadoes. Entire houses were gone, leaving nothing but the foundation (if they had one) and a pile of rubble. I was reminded of how easily we dismiss the struggles of others. The nature of a tornado, much like education, is uniquely personal in that it touches down locally and with concentrated force, shattering the lives of a few at a time. Those whose property is left unscathed, along with those who have greater means to protect themselves against the destruction, might easily detach themselves from those suffering. But at the end of the day, wanton disregard for the safety, or education, of others will surely endanger us all, as tornadoes and a crumbling education system strike viciously and destroy lives.
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