Being an American

Happy 4^th of July! Unfortunately, I will not be seeing any fireworks or spending time with family, but today I did wear red, white, and blue and wished a happy 4^th to all of my colleagues. They thought I was crazy, saying things like, “Wow! Americans must really value their independence.” Honestly, though, the fourth of July has never really meant that much to me in the past. However, after spending a month in Kenya, I could not be prouder to be a citizen of the United States of America. Multiple people have jokingly asked me to take their children back to the States with me, or even them themselves. Except I don’t think these people were actually joking. Kenyans hear how great America is and some would literally do anything to come. All my life I have taken the freedoms and privileges that come with being an American citizen for granted. After living a month without, I have realized just how fortunate each and every American really is. I could not be prouder to call myself an American citizen.

Today, I spent my day in the lab looking at and identifying more insects. Lindar is sick with food poisoning so I was on my own. The work was incredibly tricky. When working with Lindar, we would get about a vile done every hour. Today it took me three hours to get even a single vile done. The sad part is there were many insects I couldn’t identify, and I’m also sure others are wrong. I told Fabian he would have to check all of my work. Having not known anything about insects when entering the labs at least I can say I’m learning a lot. I can identify then place most of the Ordonata order into their families fairy quickly. There are others, such as the Biatidaes, which I’m speedy at identifying as well. As for the rest, lots and lots of reading the diagnostic test is needed. I don’t think it would be quite as hard if everything wasn’t in scientific “insect language”. I found myself looking up many body parts the book was referring to online. Without Lindar in the lab knowing where everything is located, I think I became a nuisance to Fabian. For some reason all of the usual supplies continuously were running out. He even sent me alone to the local grocery store to get some jars. I gave him the dear in the headlights look as he asked me to go. I don’t think I have left the gates alone yet. But I made it to the store and back safely with minimal stares compared to normal. 

Without fireworks or a big celebration it doesn’t really feel like the fourth of July, but such a special holiday gave me a chance to reflect on the true meaning of independence. Today, and every day, I ask you to embrace the meanings of being an American—as some can only dream of our opportunities.