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May 2009 RVC Column (Written and posted 04/08/09) Northwest Passages RVC Column for May Newsletters in Region 8 by John Recht, Region 8 RVC rvc8@us.mensa.org Way back when I entered college, I knew what I wanted to study: mathematics. The math and science curriculum at the University of Chicago was all laid out for me, and all I had to do was march through it course by course until I had my degree in hand. The funny thing about that was, as the quarters and years went by I found myself thinking less and less about math and more and more about other things. Philosophical questions grew in importance for me, so much so that after three years I found myself at a crossroads. Somehow I found the nerve to change everything: my school, my major, my life. All that was possible because I was finally able to see what it was that really interested me, and what I really wanted from college. My degree in philosophy was never intended to make me rich. (It hasn't.) But it started me on the path to being able to see and understand the big picture, which was undoubtedly the greatest life skill that I learned in college. It has served me well ever since. How does all this relate to Mensa? For me, it has helped me to answer for myself what it is that I enjoy about Mensa, and what I hope to do as a Mensa member for the rest of my life. I encourage you to ask yourself similar questions: what do you enjoy most about Mensa? What more could Mensa provide for you to enhance your experience as a member? I hope your answers will help you to confirm your decision to be a part of all that Mensa is and can be, and I would like to hear them. Let me know at rvc8@us.mensa.org, and I will share your thoughts with the Planning Committee for American Mensa's Board of Directors. Your ideas and your opinions about Mensa make a difference. So does your vote, and right now is the time to cast it. Both national and international elections are currently under way, and I urge you to take the time to vote if you haven't already. I will be very grateful if you vote for me for the national position of Second Vice Chair, and if elected I will continue my work on your behalf on the American Mensa Committee as I have during my past two terms as Regional Vice Chair. The Annual Gathering in Pittsburgh is quickly approaching. If you haven't already registered, find out more at www.ag2009.us.mensa.org. It's American Mensa's biggest bash of the year and I hope to see you there!
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