Category — TDimaculangan

Howard Greenberg’s talk at Macaulay Honors College surprisingly soothed some of the anxieties that have been plaguing my mind since the beginning of the school year. As he began to speak about how is career in the world of photography unfolded, it became clear that his journey was not only a success story. It was a story of a dream that he followed and worked for. It was a story of passion. When he started to answer questions about the photographs he brought, he immediately expressed his feelings about each one, noting which aspects of the photograph he appreciated, and adding details of its history and its photographer. It was evident from his responses that he not only had zeal for photography, but also a deep knowledge of it. Later, a student asked how he was able to sell photographs, and he replied, “Nothing works better than enthusiasm.”

As a freshman, lost in a sea of possible career choices, I have been wondering how success is even possible when every path seems to have risks and obstacles.  However, Howard Greenburg showed life in a different light. “Make a life out of what you love,” he said. While I have heard this from countless friends and family members, I am not sure that I ever really believed it until I heard it from this man. It is not because he is wealthy or has made a name for himself as a photography dealer. Rather, it is because he seemed genuinely happy with his decision to pursue photography. In the end, whatever career I do choose to follow, I hope that I will have the same hunger and devotion that Greenberg has for his work in photography.

(http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/queens/alleypondpark/index.htm)

I step outside to the crisp air of a cool Sunday morning. I lace up my sneakers and jog over to Alley Pond Park, home to my favorite running path. The trees that line each side of the trail never fail to provide the best shade and a peaceful wooded scenery. As I begin my three mile run, I hear the ring of a bell from a bike behind me. “Good morning,” I hear the biker say, as he speeds ahead to the first hill. I smile. It’s always refreshing to hear friendly words from a fellow exercise enthusiast. As I finally finish my first mile, I spot a small family strolling together just a few meters in front of me. I listen to the parents speak to their little boy in Spanish, but as I pass by, they look up and greet me with a wave and a simple “Good morning.” In response, I grin and in between pants, I manage to utter the same words back. Finally, I reach the half-way point and turn around, with just a mile and a half left to run. As I quicken my stride and lower my arms, I catch a glimpse of two middle-aged Asian ladies, speed walking in the opposite direction.  I get closer and closer to the pair, and almost instinctively, I say “Good morning.” In unison, they respond in thick Chinese accents, “Good morning.” Once again, I find myself smiling. I realize that “good morning” is more than just a greeting. It is a phrase that breaks language barriers and allows us to acknowledge the inexplicable human connection that we all share.

This weekend, my best friend Eilin and I decided to have lunch together before he left for college. As an incredibly indecisive individual, I left the decision to select the restaurant solely to him. When I asked, his first and only suggestion was a Korean restaurant on Main St. Ironically, he is not Korean, nor is he any sort of Asian. Instead, he finds his roots in the tropics of the Dominican Republic. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was interesting to see that he knew just what he wanted. He ordered a traditional dish called “bibimbap” and even requested some extra “bulgogi”, or barbecued beef. Later, when I mentioned dessert, his first thought was a bakery in Bayside, and as you may have guessed, it was Korean! I laughed at his proposal, not because I thought it was silly, but because of his immense enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. While some Dominican boys find comfort in the taste of red beans with white rice, Eilin seems to find just as much satisfaction in the distinct sesame oil flavor and spice of Korean food.

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