Thinking a Bit Ahead

Mander,

It sounds like you are using up the rest of your time in Berlin creatively. Please post pictures of your sculpture when you are done. I'm really curious! I'm sure you will be photo-capturing the "Cultures" event - seems like another possible project. Be safe, whatever you do.

Right now I am not functioning in the "fun" department. It's work, work, work everyday until I leave for Berlin. I don't have a choice but to do well, you know your ma. I got the most slave-driving group of professors this quarter - just my luck when I have 24 units. I am doing well - all my midterms and papers so far came through with flying colors :) I had my internship interview at the downtown Y. What an awesome facility! The executive director and a special project manager interviewed me; both seemed to like me. We talked a lot about education; they are launching a few educational programs that I will be involved in. I got my LiveScan done - the FBI check and I know they called all of my references! I hope to get the job, mind you, it's non-paying :(

I AM looking forward to my Berlin/Roma trip! It'll be a perfect graduation present. I am also excited about taking my first scuba course in September. Then grad school should begin in late September. Very exciting summer/fall ahead!

Oh, I can't forget about Isabel's wedding on Halloween. (We need nice dresses, pumpkin) PauPau and Gung Gung will not be coming - understandable. Uncle Des and AhYun will assess Gung Gung's condition before deciding whether to come - also understandable. Of course, I hope to see them here. We'll see.

Time really flies! Danny is officially a sophomore and you a senior very soon. Absorb as much specialized knowledge as you can. Our president is criticizing our workforce being not technical and specialized enough in their knowledge base; he said we cannot compete with the rest of the world without new innovation. I agree with him. If you want to have a great job/career, you must separate yourself from the crowd in which everyone is fighting for the same non-specialized jobs. Obama said that there are high-tech or highly skilled jobs unable to be filled. He is on a campaign to change that, but Americans must be willing to be educated and trained. So gain specialized knowledge and expertise in your field as much as possible. Obama will stick around for awhile, and you'll be a part of his "skilled" workforce. He is pushing hard for all the industries out there to provide opportunities for the next generation of professionals. But I still think that networking is the most important means to landing in a great job. In terms of networking, you and Danny are in really good hands, attending awesome schools that also represent special circles. By default you are immersed in expertise; really make use of it.

Just an interesting note: Cal Arts president made a statement in Huffington Post - I paraphrase - when times are tough, people are forced to turn to art, to find meaning and beauty around them. Both Obama and Levine are basically saying the same thing, one in technical terms the other in relations to art. When times are tough, you must go beyond your comfort zone; reach out to learn and use innovation to create better opportunities for yourself and the world.

I must go back to my work now; I miss chatting with you. Say hi to Ben for me :) I will look for your new photos. Hope your camera is working fine. Let me know if you need anything from home.

Love ya,
Mama