I expected this post to be about my first cup of coffee in this project, but I find myself thinking a lot about who I will choose and why I will choose them. I started with one parameter "must be someone I don't know", and almost immediately it grew into "someone I don't know or someone I want to know better"...then I added "must be passionate about something". I had more volunteers than I anticipated, and I've realized there isn't time in a year to get to everyone who I want to put on the list.
Admittedly, I am intrigued by the total stranger qualification. So much so, that I find myself browsing professional networking sites to find people that look interesting to me. I realized quickly, that I'm favoring certain "types" of people. I am already discriminating and I've only just begun. I am finding I am more interested in attractive people and people who are interested in the things I like, people with cool profile pictures or well written bio's.
I think it's human nature to be drawn to those who are like us, but what am I missing by surrounding myself with people just like me? What opportunities to break down barriers and cross over cultural lines are passing me by? I still intend to fill this year with people who are interesting to me, but I am already planning a second project of coffee with the unlikely choices. Now THAT ONE...that one might actually be SOMETHING!
