Today, I'm flying out of San Francisco (SFO) and I experienced something new today. For the first time, I was asked to have my picture taken by the Transportation Security Administration, or commonly known as the TSA. I'm not surprised that an airport such as San Francisco would have these implemented as ways of efficiently getting passengers as fast as possible.
I politely told the TSA agent that I am declining facial recognition. The agent simply conducted a manual document check. It was a very easy experience and the TSA agent was very respectful.
The point here is that you're not required or obligated to have your picture taken for biometric verification in the United States. You can simply opt-out by requesting so at a point of entry, such as airport customs and of course with the TSA. Your identity document(s) is verified through a manual check.
Many people don't know they can decline or aren't aware of the risks that facial recognition have in our society. People need to be more aware of their rights when it comes to biometrics and the data retention of such biometrics.
Today is the 6th of May, and I turn 29 years old! Woo hoo! I've lived on this earth for 29 years. Time flies and I honestly didn't think I would have made it this far but here I am! That being said, I have officially entered my last year of my 20s. It’s a tad bitter sweet. but the positive overtakes the negative by a long shot. I reflect the growth I’ve had when I entered my 20s.
28 was a fun year of adventures and of learning. It was very fulfilling. I'm smiling as I think of the things I did this year. I would say 28 was a level up in all aspects. I felt more accomplished and I had an increased sense of self-direction.
Traveled with friends
Took myself on Artist Dates
Helped develop a game with Friends
Getting Google Certified in a few areas
Voted in my first California Primary
Sang in a few choir concerts
29 will be a great transition year into the next decade of my life. I’m still discovering who I am as an individual. I now know more about myself than ever. I feel a bit wiser. This has been a year of a lot of reflection.
There is so much to learn about this world and where I stand in it. I continue to learn from people around me and the things unknown to me. What does it mean to be a Mexican-American at 29 years of age?
A lot will happen this year. Many events this year will have an effect on me directly and indirectly. I am excited and terrified for what's to come. I will keep my head up and fight for the greater good. I've learned not to be anxious of things I can't control yet because they haven't happened yet. Being more in the present is key to the well being of myself.
I've made many mistakes in years past. that I don't want to replicate. There are things I am not proud of but I've come to terms of not living in the past. I don't allow myself to beat myself up as hard as I used to. There's no need spend energy on things that don't matter anymore.
Just learning to love myself this past year and I am continuing to work on myself. I'm in a better place now than when I had just turned 28. My mental health, my physical health, and emotional wellness are more in tune. Now that I've set the path, it's only up for these. I'm more balanced now.
On a positive note, I'm really excited to start school again. I really value learning and I have a desire to have a master's degree. Later this summer I'm also getting a promotion at work.
Some items I wish to accomplish (no particular order) at 29
Learn Chinese
I WILL join cross fit or attend exercise classes.
I would like to learn to dance.
Get the startup I'm working on off the ground.
Work on personal and work projects that have been on the back burner. I hope to reach these goals.
Join a LGBT sports league.
Get my financials in order. I should set up a will.
Go on a solo adventure far away from home.
Go on more hikes!
Looking Forward
There are so many positive things happening in my life. It's only up from here! I'm proud of who I'm becoming Here's to my 29th birthday and what's to come in the next 365 days around the sun!
I would like to share that I have posted the first episode of my new podcast, Person I've Become. My first episode, I interview Sammy Harper, an environmentalist and green tech lover on how he's got to this point in his life and the person he's become. It has been exciting to start this new podcasting adventure and I will post more episodes soon!
I hope you enjoy the first episode. Send me any comments or questions via email at hello@personivebecome.com. I'm actively looking for guests for the podcast. I'd love to have you!
Here's a brief summary of the podcast.
Ever wonder how the person next door got to where they are? Each episode of The Person I've Become is an exploration of that very question. Host Pablo Morales sits down with everyday people as they navigate career changes, relationships, personal growth, and more. Join us for authentic conversations, raw emotions, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be The Person I've Become.
I'm really looking forward for the month of May! It will be a busy month but productive.
Here's what's happening.
I'm entering my final year of my 20's. I'm going to make this a memorable year ahead. There are steps I would like to take before I hit the big 3-0. I'm not scared to enter 30. I want to learn to embrace it.
I'm traveling to Germany this month for a green tech conference. I'm building a few arcade units to demo.
I'm hoping to start classes as I recently got accepted into a master's program. I really want to teach at the university level.
Work on personal and work projects that have been on the back burner. I hope to reach these goals.
Continue working on the startup I'm working on with Chris Wan. I'm hoping we can address few issues happening in education and to make learning more adaptable to all.
Pablo in NYC
