Wednesday Pleasantries

From Front (right to left): Matthew, Philip ; From Back (ditto): Amal, Audrey, Rahul, Emily, Ben, Olivia, Edwardo, Jian Wei

I think this post is long overdue. It’s been 3 weeks now since I began my stint at the Department of Aviation at O’Hare International Airport here in Chicago. Even till this date, it seems so surreal working in the second busiest airport in the world. Prior to this, I absolutely knew nothing of airports except that they had cumbersome security checks and that flying was cool. 

Chilling out after Orientation

It is funny to think of how it all began. It is one of those moments where life decided to lead you through one designated path, only to throw you off when all seems so certain and definite. Via the manipulation of events and circumstances, I was actually invited to work for the Mayor’s Office via the Roosevelt Institution, an active national student policy group. All it took was just one harmless invitational email to destroy months of summer school anticipation. 

On hindsight, I am glad summer school plans were destroyed. 

At Grand Park, listening to the live Blues performance.

For what is assembled here in Chicago is the most intriguing and engaging of personalities – each bringing their own nuances to the table. Their distinct intelligence and passion for what they do, humbles and inspires me. Occasions like this are rare – where 10 youths from all walks of life have such an established comprehension for each other’s diverse temperaments. Rapport is sometimes discovered, not fostered. 

Hilary Doe, our incoming Roosevelt National Director (U of Michigan Alum!)

I look forward to every Wednesday. Besides being able to come to work a little later and to get off a little earlier, all 10 of us will convene within a forgotten corner of Chicago’s City Hall, awaiting the presentation of an invited speaker. In the midst of munching our pizzas, we would crack few jokes, exchange entertaining narratives of boring work days, or just sit down and soak it all. It’s the company that matters, isn’t it? The laughter was unmistakable, the smiles were genuine and the camaraderie is pure. Beneath all those flashy name tags or security passes, we are just a bunch of rambunctious youths who demand a fruitful summer.   

Kurston Cook, our National Field Director (U of Michigan Alum too!)

The bus ride back home to Hyde Park with Audrey is equally as entertaining. The sight of Audrey dashing down the streets, rushing to the Red Line for a Frisbee play off match is indeed very comical. It is hard to imagine that this pleasant demeanor persona who hails from a town of merely 2800 people from the north of New York, indulges in cross country runs, ultimate Frisbee, journalism, community service and public policy. It infuses new meaning to the term ‘over-achiever.’

Interns and their Supervisors on the Chicago City Hall Rooftop Garden

But isn’t this the convergence of fascinations? Where people of every kind remind you that there is so much in this world to see; more things to accomplish than we can ever attempt.

I so can’t wait for next Wednesday! =)

Last 5 posts by Jian Wei

• One Minute to Midnight - January 1st, 2011
• Prophecy - December 31st, 2010
• Footprints We Leave Behind - November 4th, 2010
• Budapest: Contradictions Aplenty - August 15th, 2010
• Istanbul Day 3: Masters of Our Universe - August 11th, 2010

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