I met with my GSI the other day, and we were talking about international affairs. i mentioned the constant contradiction i live with. about how easy it will be from now on to get through customs in the airport. how right now, they'll search and search, but in a few months, i'll flash a US passport and walk. and that's all good and happy. but i was telling her that if i go anywhere, i'll be "American" from now on.

and she said something i hadn't given much thought to before: she said, i'm already American. i don't need some little bunch of papers to tell me or anyone else in the world i might run into. from the accent on my lips. from the way i'll wear my hat. from how i act,...they'll know.

she's so cool.