Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (250 words) Count: 241
Like most young kids, I adopted my parents’ ideologies, their strong work ethic and middle class principles. Yet, the religion part never came naturally, and their conservative lifestyle, avoiding adventure and shunning unpredictability, never resonated with me. I was more of an ovate peg trying to fit into a round hole, as I am a lover of nature, a traveler and thrill seeker.
In the birding community, a thrilling network of bird watchers and photographers around the world, I found a bunch of kindred spirits with the same venturesome, wayfarer personality. And after four years of birding and meeting so many enthusiasts, I find I know nothing in comparison. Thus, I am more of a student and a listener in this community. Just last summer, the local Audubon chapter organized a bird count at Coyote Hill, Fremont, and I was paired with a veteran birder, Bernard. As we tramped the mud flats and marshland, I spotted many amazing species, yet, Bernard tripled my count, explaining and teaching the behavior and bird call of each species that we encountered. Suddenly, I spotted a Condor soaring overhead. Bernard spotted it as well, and we raced up-hill to get a better vantage point. Gears whirred in our cameras. Click! Click! Bernard and I have become friends since; I later found he is an aeronautical engineer at Lockheed Martin, full time adventurer, and globetrotter, just another amazing personality I have had the privilege of meeting.