Goodbye For Now

Once more, Hanan and I met at Union Grounds. We sat down along the windows for our last partner meeting.

Hanan had stomach ulcers the previous week as well as more English language tests the prior week, so we hadn't met. In my notes I drew a little frowny face by this, because Hanan looked fairly distressed. Things had been really picking up with the end of school coming for both of us. We caught up with the past couple of weeks, and after I mentioned that I went to an awesome concert in Dallas, we started talking about music. 

Hanan said she likes music, but was never interested in playing an instrument. I played piano for 8 years, but eventually lost interest in becoming some kind of piano virtuoso. Hanan had a similar experience with gymnastics, but stopped in elementary school because she wanted to study more... and wasn't quite as flexible. haha

Of course, the topic of music was followed by art. She likes modern art, as well as the iconic masterpieces, but doesn't appreciate all kinds of art. Fair enough. Some art can be ridiculous. But I'm pro-art, so I'm all about it because it's the way I express myself. So, I asked her how important she thought self-expression was. She said it was very important because it makes life interesting and helps you communicate. A modern example she offered was being able to "like" something on Facebook. She said it's a way to share interests and let people know who you are.  This example is a little different than what I was trying to get at, but it's something I wouldn't have thought of.  In fact, I don't know if we (I) think about it all the time, but social media may be the most common form of self-expression. Something to think about. 

Hanan once again voiced her qualms about the cellular telephone. She thinks it's a huge distraction, and I would agree. She said moments go by so quickly, so can't waste your life interacting with a screen. She said it makes for lonely people. Yeah Hanan, I think so too. She said she had read a lot about it, and psychologically it makes you feel disconnected even though you're technically "connecting" with people. The irony is that social media perpetuates for some people a feeling of isolation because you're not truly interacting with others. Hanan said she tries her best to be a person that lives in the moment.

Time came for me to leave, and I asked if there was anything she wanted to ask me or specifically take away from our meetings. She said she wanted me to know she enjoyed our meetings and that her best advice was for me to travel. "Travel! Travel! Travel!" She said with a laugh.

I told her I would do my best. :) 

Rachel and Hanan Talk Some More

This time Hanan and I talked about growing up. I asked her about her childhood and what was important to her as she became an adult.

She said it was important to dream big. "Each baby is born with a dream."
She said that each person was born for a purpose, and that it's vitally important to make goals and strive for your passions.
An interesting idea she tossed up is that everything is connected. You have to think toward the future but at the same time not be afraid to live the fullest you can in every moment.

She talked about what it was like growing up with all her brothers and sisters. Her mom wasn't an "educated person" so her family was encourage to pursue knowledge. Surprisingly, she said her parents didn't pressure them to be anything specific. They were also encouraged to find their passion. The only stipulation was to be the best you could be and succeed in your own way. You have to be true to yourself and what your dreams are. She stressed that you have to be honest with yourself and trust you experiences. She said self-acceptances makes happiness a lot easier to find.

Last time we met, we talked a little bit about first impressions, but I had to leave before we were finished. Hanan offered a quick bit of wisdom on this topic: "Judgement is a part of life, you just have to be gracious with it."

I also asked her if she had any favorite sayings. One was, "Work smart, don't work hard." The other was, "Time is money." She said when you lose a day you can't bring it back. She said time is valuable and needs to be used wisely. This seemed to be a little contradictory to her previous quotes, but she said when you're working smartly, it will never seem like hard work.

This was about the time Ryan showed up, tapping away on his phone. This began a passionate discussion about electronics. She said Ryan is addicted to them. Facebook, twitter, youtube, email, kik, the list goes on.  She thinks they block communicated between people you're actually with. She said being on an electronic device is just emotionally and physically different. We agreed they can be helpful, but she tries to spend no more than 2 hours a day on electronics because she thinks it stunts your people skills and awareness.  She said her nephew has an iPad, and she way just like, "Why? Just go outside.

I had to leave for a class, and she remembered she had brought me a gift. It was chap stick she had made from beeswax and honey. I thanked her, and with moisturized lips I bid her goodbye until next time.