As I walk around campus I always try to say hi to anybody doing maintenance, cleaning buildings, serving food etc…especially the older workers. I feel like they’re due respect simply by virtue of their age. On the whole, they’re really nice people. More than that, though…most are extremely encouraging. They check in on me…ask how classes are going. One saw me dressed for an interview the other day and wished me luck. They’re just good folks.
But every time after I interact with them I can’t help but wonder why I’ve been granted the opportunities I have. What makes me any different than them? Why am I in college while many of them work grueling 10+ hour days, bringing home a salary that’s hardly a testament to the difficulty of their work. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given…don’t get me wrong, but part of me wishes I didn’t have them. Wouldn’t wanna sound like a communist (like our Muslim/terrorist/secretly gay cannibal President…according to Fox News), but sometimes I yearn for a society with a little more even wealth/opportunity distribution. I think that’s why I feel so called to public service…feel like I need to do something with what I’ve been given.
Anywho…
- Still working up new song ideas for this next CD. And practice wise I’m stuck in modes…and their numerous variations.
- Listening wise…I’ve been quite happy. Q-tip’s venture into jazz-hop, Nicolay’s new joint (he’s the producer of the Foreign Exchange), and Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage.
- Also…Freebo (UMBC’s president Freeman Hrabowski) was on NBC this morning.
- Oh and lastly…the producer of my first two albums, Phillip Carter, has been nominated for a boatload of Stellar Awards. His new project “Songs from the Storm” has been getting a lot of attention…it’s still moving up billboard’s gospel charts as well. I’m definitely happy for Phil’s success…couldn’t be happening to a better person. If you get some time, please vote for Phil here.
