Leap, and the Net Will Appear
The American embassy in Tehran was a massive, walled, impenetrable compound symbolizing America’s power in the Middle East. More secure than Fort Knox, it was completely inaccessible except for those granted entry by means of personal connection, bribery, or important official business.
Nonetheless, at the age of sixteen, with nothing to lose in the hellish environment in which I found myself, I walked alone into the American embassy and asked to see a counselor, with whom I spoke in Persian (since I spoke no English) and – alas! – walked out with a visa to America.
Ten years later, the Shah fell from power and the Ayatollah’s henchmen took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Meanwhile, having shown up to America with nary a friend, family, or command of the English language, I spent the loneliest and most difficult ten years of my life trying to become acclimated to the language and culture of my new country.
The hard lesson learned back then, to be repeated again and again throughout my life, is that once we commit, doors open, dormant forces awaken, connections are made, and an alchemical synchronicity blossoms, lighting up new and unforeseen pathways.
So it has been with both the launch of City Club in 2005 and Highland Institute less than two years ago i.e. two more examples of commitments marked by giant leaps, without clear plans or adequate resources, but with an underlying trust in and dedication to the vision. Think of it as Cortez “burning the boats.”
Once again my adopted country is polarized, with both sides engaged in mutual finger-pointing, instead of meaningful Socratic dialogue. To be sure, there are extremes on both sides: the far left’s protests and lootings in Portland; the far right’s attempt to take over our Capital last January.
The ultimate goal of Highland Institute is to create a safe place for meaningful dialogue. Unlike a debate that is characterized by winners and losers, a dialogue encourages us to actively listen to and learn from each other so we can refine and sharpen our respective positions for the benefit of all.
We believe Highland Institute has finally matured to the point its mission is best served through the wisdom of an advisory board. As such, we are looking to recruit up to twelve members; half of whom are self-declared liberals; with the other half self-declared conservatives. We strive to reach a similar balance in gender. The ideal candidate would be well read, articulate, and committed enough to the vision outlined in our Manifesto to dedicate ~10 hours/month of their valuable time to help advance the Institute’s various causes.
Ready to JUMP?!
— Sina.