Creating a 'professional' blog has been a very weighted decision for me, since I'm not fond of blind communication. As a people-person, I much rather explain myself and learn about others through engaging conversation that opens the mind and the soul.
Even so, after my semester internship at the University of Miami's PRADUM Agency (Public Relations and Advertising Agency at UM), I realized more than ever how important it is to document your professional thoughts and activities by blogging.
Another encouraging factor that has persuaded me to do this is the outlook of the next eight months of my life. Not only am I interning at the Jerusalem Music Center in Israel for the majority of my summer vacation (which would translate to 2 months of interning and 3 months of living in Israel), but I will also be studying abroad in Paris, France from September through December.
Being a public relations intern in Jerusalem possesses its difficulties. It will test my abilities in the Hebrew language, adjustment to an institution in a foreign city, and my persistence in practicing violin every day for multiple hours to improve my talent. I'm the type of person that will find ways to leap over boundaries in order to fulfill what I believe is my purpose (of course in a completely ethical fashion). To make this internship tangible and plausible, I researched and jumped hoops for months, yet now I realize that was merely Phase 1. Phase 2 will begin once I actually start interning and hopefully prove to such a distant institution that I am ready for business and can make a difference. The other issue that unnerves a bit about living in Jerusalem for three months is the fact that it is in Israel, which is always prone to skirmishes between Israelis and Palestinians.
Before continuing, I feel that I must clarify my views about this previous statement at least in general terms. I have many Muslim friends at school. In fact, I helped establish a coexistence group between Jews and Muslims here at UM that is called JAM-Jews and Muslims- based on JAM at Yale University. One of the most mind-blowing courses that I have taken so far in my college career was called, Islam in Modern Times, and I loved every second of it. There is just something about that area of the world that fascinates me and lures me closer. Whether that means hanging out with friends from the Middle East, reading various news articles and books, watching movies, or learning about the culture and ways of life in that area, it ceases to bore me. Most of all, I think about the lack of understanding and mistrust that forces the West v.s the East and the East v.s the West. So many people suffer from this sickly relationship across all borders. I hope that some day I will be able to take part in the solution of it all.
Many of the same issues that I faced concerning my summer internship also apply to the process of studying abroad. If interning internationally is a risk, well then studying abroad in Paris outside of my university is a gamble. I have to take a semester leave, graduate later, hope to not overload on credits, find a great Parisian violin teacher, and go with the flow of a new life. The adjustment issue is not one that worries me incredibly, but moreover, whether the overall outcome of my planning and decisions play out well for my future. As my best friend has said in the past, "Go with the feeling in your gut and give your mind a break". In my mind, I think my decisive, well formed planning has a chance for success. In my gut though, the gamble feels right despite everything.
Welcome to my journey in life! As I write more postings and upload my portfolio, you will learn more about me.
DISCLAIMER: I hate how many times I have written the word 'I' in this, but I don't think I have much of a choice. Sorry!
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