Author: fqwatkins

Hi, I'm Forrest. I grew up in Eugene, OR and went to Whitman College, where I studied Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Spanish. I loved my time in school (and will probably love it again at some point), but right now it is time for something else. So I am embarking to realize my ever-expanding dream of biking around the world to document the effects of climate change and how everyday people are responding. For more on the project, check out: http://360bybike.com/the-plan-cycling/

An anecdote, a call to action, and a poem that I like. This week, the freshman arrived on campus (much to the excitement of Dan, my fellow PiAer, who has only gotten to teach one lesson so far). They were welcomed with open arms by upperclassmen, who volunteer in surprising numbers to help the freshmen move … Continue reading Army Training Week

September 13, 2014September 13, 2014

First Day of School

Here I stand, my first day of school from the other side of the teacher’s desk. The weather says 93°F and “feels like” 104 °F (34°C and 40°C). 40 pairs of eyes seem to work together to halt any hint of cooling breeze. Multicolored chalk dust hangs in the air. And there I am, remembering every teacher I’ve ever had … Continue reading First Day of School

September 7, 2014September 7, 2014

PACIFIC NORTHWEST ⇒ 吉首市 (JÍSHǑU CITY), PART 2: ARRIVAL (OR, THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS)

Well, I’m here. I know where I am when I wake up, the hourly cycle of re-remembering that I’m in China has ceased. Now I just need to figure out where “here” is. But I’ll get back to that in a few weeks, or maybe sometime next year. For now, a simple story from my arrival. The following … Continue reading PACIFIC NORTHWEST ⇒ 吉首市 (JÍSHǑU CITY), PART 2: ARRIVAL (OR, THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS)

August 31, 2014August 31, 2014

Pacific Northwest ⇒ 吉首市 (Jíshǒu City), Part 1: Departure

I meant to write this before I left, as sort of a statement of intent for the trip, and for the blog. But right now these are my biggest ideas (nearly all appropriated), and they have taken a while to put down. Their sources have been hard to pin down, put in order, and articulate, and … Continue reading Pacific Northwest ⇒ 吉首市 (Jíshǒu City), Part 1: Departure