When you lack Imagination

Yesterday there were protests at my hometown university yet again. De Nieuwe Universiteit formed a picket line in front of the of the aula, where the opening of the academic year would take place. Students and teachers were protesting in favor of democracy and transparency at the University of Amsterdam (UvA),  and outside of it. This movement drew a lot of attention to itself and won its first victories after a lot of demonstrations, occupations and other actions. The President of the Board of Directors had to leave, for example, and two commissions are being set up to research the finances of the UvA and give binding advice about its future governance structure. Because of grass roots pressure the Board of Directors says it wants to keep focusing on reforming the UvA.

So, while I was drinking coffee at hip San Francisco cafes, and drinking beer in cool San Francisco bars, enjoying myself and ‘experiencing something so different from what I’m used to’, my fellow students where trying to create a place where everything is different from what they’re used to. When you lack the funding to travel, you create the world you would want to go to. When you lack the imagination to think ‘another world is possible’, you travel to San Francisco.11952731_10155941558820693_8346116431971089264_o

And what another world it is. It’s amazing to cycle through the Castro, sit in the sun at Dolores Park, win the Scavangers hunt, or realize your house is just fifteen minutes away from the beach. My classes have started, and so far have been pretty inspiring. I’m slowly forgetting my ideals, ordering another almond cappuccino and carrot cake, loving how you can order vegan food everywhere, and thinking about maybe, maybe, trying to bring some of the great things here back home.

I’m looking forward to the next week :-)

Harriet Bergman
harrietmbergman@gmail.com
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