and it's been a while since we went wild and that's all fine but we're sleepwalking through this trial and it's really a crime

i had the incredible honor and privilege to meet the president of ecuador, rafael correa. while i am always skeptical of the politically oriented folk in any country [call me anti-establishment if you will], he was an exceptionally pleasant man and seemed genuinely interested in meeting everyone in the room. he attended school here for a master and ph.d for economics--thus, the international alumni award reception that i was asked to bartend for.

anyway, according to what i've read, he has a strong emphasis on social justice and a pretty strong anti-U.S. intervention mindset. by all means, i liked him already! if you look at the ways that the U.S. has harmed countries it has intervened or become involved with, i'd say he has the right idea.

furthermore, he communicates with ecuador's indigenous population in their own language which is unique to him [unlike other presidential candidates]. [thanks wikipedia!]

anyway, i am truly grateful to have met him and feel very pleased to say that i have met the president of a nation. it was a great honor for me and solidifies my gratitude for having a position at the alumni center. it has been a wonderful job for me.

i am increasingly saddened that i am going to be leaving this institution behind. i am sad that i have to leave this town because i feel like the time i've spent here has gone by too quickly. next year is filled with much possiblity, but the beauty of being here will not be the same.

sweeter dreams.
k