REMARKABILITY, THE US, AND ME

    Never before has my life felt so utterly unremarkably remarkable. I sit at home doing online school (I guess the fact that I am being taught from Eswatini and am still in school in July spices things up, but still...), often staying in my PJs until midafternoon, and watching an episode of Outer Banks (or Glee) with my family (almost) every evening. The world, however, is... exciting. 

    Yes, countries are dealing with a pandemic (some with much greater success than others... but it seems to help if the leader wears a mask?) In the past few months in the United States, we have seen a movement for racial justice and historical reckoning shake the profoundly unequal foundation on which this country was built. And we are about to enter an election season and a choice that could make or break America. People want change and America needs change, and I hate to think about what will happen to this country if we elect someone who thinks the U.S. is "great" at the moment. 

    And I guess all of these unprecedented events have impacted me, but the life I am living feels in no way remarkable (please refer to the section on PJ usage). For example, I don't know if I will be able to return to the UWC in Eswatini (Waterford). Will borders be open? Will I see my friends from all over the world ever again? Do I need to start applying for college? Will school here in Missoula open with in-person classes? If I go back to Africa, will I be unable to return to the U.S.? I have so many questions, zero answers, and no way of getting them. Let's just say this has been hard on my mental health. However, the fact that my biggest concern is whether or not I can return to private school or "have to" apply for higher education shows just how privileged I am. 

    I have attended protests in Missoula [the demographics at these protests are very interesting - 70% white, 10% armed militia "protecting" protesters, 7% armed Trump supporters not protecting protesters and 30% BIPOC (don't worry, my math is sound given that all the armed people are white)]. I have tried to do everything on this link that is in everyone's Insta bio (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ - please do what you can!!) and I have read some incredibly eye-opening books. I am creating a program with my roommate to openly discuss race and racism at Waterford and I helped my dad understand why saying "All Lives Matter" is in no way "uncontroversial," but I always feel like I should be doing more. Although these past few months have felt like an eternity, it really has been a brief moment. Educating myself and listening and apologizing and growing and loving are ways of being in the world that I want to uphold for a lifetime. Again, the fact that my experiences these past few months have all been my choice is just another manifestation of the unearned privilege I hold.  

    

So I guess my life is remarkable in the sense that I can, and am, remarking on it :)

I hope people are staying healthy and happy!

PS: Here are some pictures from the Montanan outdoors for your viewing pleasure. I am so grateful that I get to be in nature and with my family! See if you can find my hammock ;)