a changing worldview

Thanks to all of these lovely folks, I am constantly reminded that there are new perspectives, fresh outlooks on life, different thought processes, and endless questions to ask about the world, life, and ourselves.

I've learned how to have conversations. Not just regular conversations, but deeply challenging, troubling, unsettling, eye-opening, real conversations with real people with real ideas, real questions, and real opinions. We've managed to challenge each other on the hard questions: What happens to our idea of God if extraterrestrial life exists? Is genetic engineering ethical? Is war just? What happens if God is real? What happens if he isn't real? 

I came into this class knowing just a few things about myself. Now that the semester is over, where do I stand?

I believe that my understanding of the world and people has grown. My worldview has certainly been challenged, and I'll admit, my brain has hurt during class discussions trying to keep up with the conversations. But it's a healthy kind of hurt.

I've learned that interfaith conversations and activities are not only beneficial, but necessary. I didn't grow up in a uniformly religious environment—I was usually never surrounded by only Christians—but now I know it is necessary to begin relationships with those of different worldviews and to allow those relationships to flourish.

I came into this class identifying as spiritual but not religious, and I think, in that regard, I am somewhat the same. But in other regards, it feels as though everything has changed. I have become more sure of ascribing to an organized religion, but I am even more sure of the human connection that we can find in spirituality. I have become more educated about some of the customs of the world's major religions, and my respect for religious humans has shot up through the roof. To have that kind of dedication, faith, and perseverance as a religious being in a secular society is something I extremely admire, and perhaps hope to emulate one day. My views on the universe and extraterrestrial life were, to put it lightly, completely shattered (in a good way). I didn't care a whole lot for what existed beyond our human perception, but now I realize that it's just as important to consider what might exist out there. Our visit to Cristo Rey has changed my idea of what Hell is—no longer an abstract place after death but a state of separation from God. Our visit to the mosque was a beautiful reminder that faith takes dedication, and our visit to the temple opened my eyes to the scholarly aspect of Judaism.

My favorite parts of class have been when the discussion becomes so engaging that we don't hear the whistle marking the end of class, or when we continue our conversations outside the classroom. In these situations, I've learned that a human soul is precious, unique, and conscious; that prayer is more than reading words out of a sacred text—it's feeling, speaking, listening, playing, singing; that participating in religious traditions can bring spiritual fulfillment; and so much more. Being in community with all of these people has replenished my soul and my mind and my heart.

And I will take these things with me as this chapter in life comes to a close.

i've come this far. where to next?

I want to travel and meet new people and build memories and eat weird food and go on adventures and get lost along the way.

I still have 5, 10, 15-year plans tucked away in my journals somewhere. But they're not as rigid—they're more like scaffolds, molds for me to pick out and fill with memories, experiences, and relationships. And each scaffold holds dreams that I hope to fulfill: travel the world, get married, start a family, take 5 million photos (I'm already getting started on this one)... And I never thought I would ever want to live in a city for longer than a few years, but I really wouldn't mind making Atlanta my home. #weloveATL

When I get out of Tech, I'm not sure what I'll be doing. I have to different career aspirations that I'm currently entertaining: journalist and designer. I hope to be doing something that opens people's eyes and allows them to learn something new. No, I don't want to be a teacher. I want to be a seeker, a documenter. Someone who learns something new and finds a creative way to share it with the world, and hopefully this will incorporate both journalism and visual creativity.

For now... I'll be in Barcelona. And I'll keep taking pictures. :)