KEY Final Reflective Paper

I'm still awake.  I finished my research paper, except for the conclusion, and I figured sice I'm awake, I ought to just go ahead and work on the other paper I have due.  Here goes.

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This quarter has been worse and better than the ones before it.

Academically, the quarter was abysmal.  The program I registered for, Exclusion in America: Who Belongs, looked divine. I was really interested in learning about US history and how particular populations have been excluded through the history of this nation.  However, I was severely disappointed due to the faculty's disorganisation and lack of professionalism.  The space was not safe to discuss issues of oppression or discrimination, which defeated the purpose of even having the class.  It was really... disappointing.  I almost feel it was a waste of my out-of-state tuition.

With the reduced class load, I was able to focus most of my energy on myself, somethingthatt was desperately needed.  This was the quarter that I finally resolved the swirling storm of gender identity that's been occurring for the better part of the last decade.  I had no idea how much tumult I was undergoing, until I overcame it.  Coming out as trans* has released a tension I've been holding for far too long.  I feel that I am able to relate to my world in a much deeper capacity.This new capacity will definitely help me in the future, as I continue my education and also re-enter the professional workforce.

My goal is to work with Black queer and trans* youth in a mentorship and educational capacity. I would ideally like to incorporate the medium of radio, training the youth to be able to tell their own stories to make their mark on the world. I think the best avenue I can take academically is to educate myself on pertinent issues impact this particular community, which isn't difficult since I am also influenced by these things. If I am able to get a tuition waiver and stay for another academic school year, I plan on focusing my energy on intercepts, probably in the Tacoma/Seattle area where it will be easier to find the population I want to work with.  As far as formal training, I haven't researched much.  KAOS' radio training program tracks it's participants to on-air radio shows, where my interests are more in the audio production area.  Hopefully I will be able to find a place or formal program where I can acquire those skills.

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My brain needs sleep. I'm going to sleep at... 605.  It's going to be a loooong day. :/