I've been thinking a lot about what progress means to me since that bonus point opportunity came and went. And today, it hit me. Progress is different for each person. Each person's unique perspective on the world gives them a different perspective on what progress really means.
I found my definition through Facebook, where I am part of a wonderful group, the Shimer College Class of '12. Yup, that's me. It's a secret group, and the only people who are part of it are myself, my future classmates, and our wonderful admissions officer, Cassie. This group has taught me what progress is.
Progress is celebrating the gift of apartment-style on-campus dorms by discussing cooking and Plato in the same conversation.
Progress is being dissapointed that the discussion of the Miyazaki films didn't last longer or get more in--depth and philosophical.
Progress is making up silly and entertaining songs about the college you will be attending that mention many of the books you are looking forward to reading and discussing.
Progress is learning how to say goodbye to someone before you've really met them, but promising to stay in touch.
Progress is meeting another person who openly admits that talking with your characters helps you through writer's block in a group of less than 45 people, and having no one else in that group think you're weird or crazy because of it.
Progress is growing up, taking chances, overcoming obstacles.
Progress is meeting people who are drastically different than yourself who share with you a common love of learning and won't criticize you for your beliefs.
Progress is looking forward to a good debate, and leaving the debate with a different opinion than before, but no conclusion to the argument.
Progress is learning how to deal with many different kinds of people, learning to see the world from a different point of view, and in turn, helping others learn to do the same.
Progress is being comfortable while being yourself in public, no matter how strange you really are.
Progress is cross-cultural, artistic, musical, philosophical, mathematical, joyous, heart-breaking, random, different, accepting, understanding.
Progress is a step in the direction you want to go, and my step was to enroll in Shimer College.
This is my new perspective on progress.
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This is something I need to read to myself over and over again. Because I need to think as progresss as my own thing, rather then what someone else wants of me. WOW i really like this, and is true to every day life. I can now look forward to the challenges ahead, and know they are for me and no one else.
I'm going to go find my progress.
Great blog. I agree... "progress" is different for everyone. I like how you have described it.
By the way... Miyazaki films are great! I would also be disappointed in a too-short conversation about them.