State of the Union

Every year we hear the president of the USA give “The State of the Union.” I’ve always wondered what it really is. It’s more of a tradition that the president just has to get up and make this speech that is overly careful on each choice of word where it’s to ensure the people that there is hope while trying not to make the president look bad. It never really speaks to me. In addition to learning about the states I’ve truly learned about the real state of the Union. The “state” being the condition and the “Union” being the citizens of the United States.

I’ve had little glimpses of American life across the country. And although they are little experiences for only a few days each, the sum of living with over 100 households in a year, of people I’ve never met is, magnificent. From social classes, races, backgrounds, living environments, demographics, politics and much more I’ve been invited into homes where I have seen the thoughts of U.S. citizens. I’ve had insight on their political stances, seen how they handle adversity, experienced their living circumstances, and have become a member of their household for that short time.

Sometimes I feel like I’m an informant, a U.S. citizen hired by the people to be an informant on our fellow citizens. From living in their homes, eating their food, and using their showers, I have moved in with the household of the United States (probably one that’s very similar to yours somewhere on the road). My year as an “informant” is almost over. And even 20 years from now I don’t know if I’ll have a conclusion, just a lot of knowledge and experience. That’s what I hope to drawn on forever. It would be great to sit down with government officials, city leaders, employers, educators, and hopefully educate, inspire, motivate, and progress. Oh how great it would be to sit down with the president and give my “state of the Union” address. I’ve come to know the condition of the American people in more ways than most people can and at a young age. Wow… crashing at over 100 households in a year… I haven’t slept in that many households in the previous 23 years.