From 3:00 - 5:00 I skipped Psychology (sorry mom!) to volunteer for the Penn Democrats. There were lots of different duties, and mine was to raise the hype. Thus, for nearly two hours I was standing on a street corner, holding up a sign that said "Honk for Obama!" It was SO MUCH FUN. :) All these people driving by, honking and smiling at me; me raising the sign, fist in the air, wide smile plastered on my face, and going, "yeahhhh that's right!" whenever people responded well; Republicans driving by and rolling down their windows to say, "boo" or "go home;" me having to apologize to someone in a nearby dorm because I was getting so many people to honk that she couldn't study; sticking it out even if it started raining (because I was enjoying myself hahaha); that random guy walking over to me and striking up such a nice conversation (will elaborate later); that other guy telling me to watch my back (haha will elaborate later too); and just the whole university atmosphere! Twas amazing. :)
Okay so I'll give you guys a paraphrased version of the conversation with the old guy. I'm standing on this little island at the intersection of 38th and Spruce, and this guy shouts from across the street, "Anyone can honk, but we need the votes! Have you voted?" And of course I shout back, "No, I'm not American!"
"What?"
"I'm not American!"
At this point, he runs across the street and joins me on my little island as I'm doing my campaign duty.
"Why're you doing this if you're not American?"
"I dunno. Obama's a guy I really believe in."
*nods thoughtfully* "What're you studying?"
"Economics. Maybe Urban Studies and International Relations, too."
"Ah, you're going into politics, huh?"
"Mayyybe. I do love my country."
*blah blah blah stuff about me being from the Philippines and being Catholic (he is, too)*
"So how old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"Seventeen!? You're a baby!"
"Haha yup, I'm pretty young."
*nods* "You're gonna go places, though. I can see it."
We talk a bit more, then he bids me goodbye and shouts "God bless you" as he runs back across the street. What a sweetheart :)
A little while after that conversation, this guy, after honking, rolls down his window to talk to me. You have to imagine it with a very gangstah West Philly accent.
"Hey honey, you be careful with that ayt? [referring to my efforts to rally support for Obama] Some people do crazy things, you never know what can happen. Watch what you eat, and don't go off walkin' alone."
(At this point I'm kind of laughing) "Yeah, did you see that guy that just passed me? He was shouting like anything, but it's alright. Whatever."
"No, I'm serious. You take care, ayt?"
"Ayt, I'll do that."
"I love you. You know that."
*nods and makes a yeah-i-know face and does the "peace out" fist to the chest thing*
HAHA what a day! :))
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2 comments:
Miss one class for that? - it's worth it!! You don't learn THAT in class :)
I'm so proud of you! And your objective mother agrees with the nice old man -- you're gonna go places!
Yes, I agree with mom. Many important and lasting life lessons are found outside the classroom. Plus, it was a once in a lifetime chance that you had there so that's totally ok.
You helped make history in your own little way and personally experienced the shared humanity of people of all colors in a historic way. As the guy said "Honey, be careful ayt? I love you. You know that."
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