half past nomad

Tommorow I walk.
Insha-allah I graduate.

I have genuine reasons to be busy. Just like you.

Meanwhilst, sample the questionnaire I was asked to fill out for my deparments’ Interactive Yearbook CD.

NAME YOU WOULD LIKE IN THE YEARBOOK: WALEED JAMEEL

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE MAJOR: Mathematics with a CS option

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Give a little of yourself, cure your greed, purify yourself”

MOST MEMORABLE CLASS EXPERIENCE: Group work in my RFP team. Predictably, after 3 hours of group work, madness would settle in.

FAVORITE CLASS PROJECT: If professors would only assign us extra sleep. If only.

FAVORITE MEMORY IN LAB: The late night before deadline project with friends; insanity is the prelude to immense laughter.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: Now.

HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF THE LAB: Reading, Writing, Traveling (preferably outside ________), and avoiding traffic jams with bad radio stations.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: Find a job, get some work experience and continue my academic career in hopefully a doctorate program.

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE STARTING THE IIT PROGRAM: A much better focus and comprehension on what I want in my professional and academic career.

NUMBER OF PARKING TICKETS YOU HAVE RECEIVED WHILE IN THE PROGRAM: ZERO !

There are various ranges of erring, a large storage arena that is occupied with types of torture devices that would please any oppressive tyrant. Especially, if that tyrant be you.

If your mistake is one of ignorance, forgiveness is easy to swallow.
If your mistake is one of stupidity, forgiveness is easy to accept.
If your mistake is one of temporary insanity, then and even then, forgiveness can be sent overnight, in a little brown box, barcodes paneling one side, all bubble wrapped inside with a receipt that says ‘Thank you for seeking mercy with God! Enclosed is your customized, naturally tailored forgiveness pill. Drink with a nice cold glass of milk and don’t forget to brush your teeth before bed. Remember, everybody hurts sometimes”.

But if your mistake was made in a conscious state of mind, when you understood the situation, when you knew dammit knew what you were doing then why please please tell me why why did you do it…

If your mistake is because you chose to be weak, to be in denial, to not want to face your problems, then I feel sorry for you. Redemption is yours, after you’ve been given a full conscience upgrade, and a room with a giant mirror opposite a hard wooden chair.

Have a seat and make yourself at home.

It’s not easy to grow. It’s so not easy.

If equal affection cannot be,
let the more loving one be me.

If any pain cannot be avoided,
let the more hurting one be me.

If secret strength is required,
let the quiet brave one be me.

If self sacrifice has to be,
let the sacrificial one be me.

If I could, I would.
If I can, I will.
If I had to, I would do.

Don’t you understand, it said to me, don’t you understand at all?
I am you. And I cannot be, without me.