Inspiration

Last week I experienced two events that reminded me of my own beliefs and strengthened my belief system. I am currently under a lot of pressure and am busier than I have ever been in my life. This has resulted in my becoming completely immersed in the day to day tasks I have to complete: reading homework assignments, grading, teaching, writing, etc. These events reminded me of the global issues that I deeply care for but had not realized that I had been ignoring.

Last Thursday, I went to a lecture delivered by Al Gore at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles. Global warming is an issue that I have always been concerned about, because I believe that the threat of Global Warming is very much real and we have to take action if we want to hang on to our dear planet. At the end of the event Mr. Gore signed books, and while I was waiting for my book to be signed I had a mini-conversation with Al Gore that made me quite excited. The Mini-conversation went along these lines:
Gore: "Hello, how are you?"
Me: "Thank you so much for your work!"
Gore: "You're very kind."

I know it does not sound much, but I was quite excited to see him in person, to have a conversation and to have a copy of his latest book. On my way home, I started thinking about my current disposition and behaviors toward global warming. It did not help that I was in my car while thinking about my behaviors, but I have made peace with the fact that I cannot give up driving, as bad as it is for the planet. Living in Los Angeles, and having a long commute and not being able to even ride a bike, I have to make peace with the fact that my carbon footprint will be bigger than I want it to be. I do, however, believe that something is better than nothing, and live my life accordingly. The lecture reminded me that my hectic schedule had steered me away from my convictions--I often caught myself printing more things than I needed, throwing bottles into the garbage bin instead of recycling. I am proud to say that I have modified my behaviors ever since--and I believe that adjusting one's own behavior is the most important change one can make.

The second event that made me take a step back and evaluate my own behaviors was an event that I helped organize. As one of the editors of Truth About the Fact, I had the privilege of attending and participating in an event called "Art of Resistance: Prop 8 and the Wedge between Black and Gay Communities." Our event was a great success, with an informative panel and great performances. The highlight of the evening for me was when we started an audience Q & A, and an elderly black woman got up and shared with us her experience of growing up as a gay woman in the South and as she was concluding her statement, "I have a beautiful partner and we have been in love for over 40 years" I could feel my skin forming goose bumps while wanting to get up and applaud and thank her for her statement and for sharing her beautiful story with the rest of us. As I looked around the room while she was talking, I could see that my feelings were shared by many. I felt extremely proud that the event that myself and my fellow editors had put together step by step had engendered an environment that made people comfortable enough to share with us their stories and experiences.

Lilly Berberyan