FreeMindsAustin

This summer I had the opportunity to see the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil show as well as Sir Paul McCartney himself in concert. For all you alumni out there who took last fall’s theater class, you’ll recall Vivé’s “goal index cards.” Experiencing the music of the Beatles performed live was one of my top cards! In fact that card was tucked ever so carefully into my jeans pocket as I jumped up and down, screaming like a teenager!

I had a profound realization while examining the meaning of the song “Come Together.” Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s widow, once vehemently disagreed with a theatrical production of “Come Together” because she felt it was too sexualized. She explained to the producer that John’s intention in writing the song was to convey that people of all walks of life could come together to see the possibilities, to do revolutionary things, things some people may have deemed impossible. It’s about people coming together to create community, celebrate oneness and diversity all at the same time.

In the last few weeks, I found myself searching for ways to reconnect with Free Minds and give back to my community. I was thrilled to be included in the planning aspect of the alumni master class for September. Additionally, I am excited that the planning is open to all alumni and will even include a mentoring class for current students. I see alumni activites as a perfect way to “come together” with my community of former students and celebrate education in and out of the classroom. This kind of involvement serves as a reminder to me to continue my own personal growth and development, a lesson learned in my Free Minds experience.

Michelle Faires (Free Minds ’07) is working toward her associate’s degree at Austin Community College.