Where do I even start when trying to explain and share my experience at this year’s Western Museum Association (WMA) conference? I don’t have the words. All I can say is “Eo Ipso.” My first year of College, I decided to take Latin, with dreams of one day translating old texts, that never happened; but I did learn some really cool phrases that I still think about to this day and Eo Ipso (at least the way my professor described it) is the perfect phrase to express how I feel about this conference. I don’t have the words = Eo Ipso.
Even when writing about this conference, almost a month later, it still brings a bright smile to my face and happiness to my heart as I think of the amazing people, beauty of the surroundings, and many butterflies fluttering everywhere. I got to see people that I met last year at my very first WMA conference and have not talked to since, I got to meet great new people, and most importantly spend time with people who have become a part of my life. For me in some ways it felt more like a family reunion and was amazing to be reunited with some people who truly care about me, mentor me, support me, and root me on in my journey.
Last year’s opening remarks from Sandra Jackson-Dumont were so powerful and rang through my ears all year. Her speech focused on the theme, connection, and she often spoke about the Korean word “Inyeon (인연),” which refers to a special connection between people. This phrase was from a movie called, “Past Lives,” which I later watched, cried, and loved. It was also a reminder that not all connections stay connected, but those who are meant to be in our lives will be there.
This year’s theme was balance, and perfect for Libra season. The theme was also a great reminder that we all need to find balance, especially when we can get so emotionally connected to what we do, our organizations, and the never-ending missions that we have each taken on in our roles. We need to remember that we must have balance in life, no matter what we do. Opening remarks from keynote speaker Seema Rao really hit this home reminding us that sometimes we have to detach from something/someone to really connect to our purpose.
During the sessions, I once again learned so much and went to a few that were related to what I do, things I am involved in, and things that I enjoy; but I also made it my mission to go to as many as I could that I knew the absolute lease about, and boy did I learn a lot. Of course, I learned a ton about museums, museum practices, trends, concepts, methodology, movements, etc. But even deeper I also learned so much about myself, so much about who we are as humans and the beauty or negativity that we can bring with us. Throughout the conference I experienced so many moments of inspiration, jubilation, excitement, and motivation; but also some sadness, frustration, hopelessness and sometimes even felt overwhelmingly overcome by the difficult world in which we live and difficult changes we are often trying to make. So often we are surrounded and bombarded by first world issues, western philosophies, money driven initiatives (because we can’t do it without cash), sometimes sleep deprived, juggling everything, and all to fight for causes that we believe in. But the inspiration came from the beauty of the stories people shared, hearing about the progress they have made and the dreams that they have. It came from genuine conversations, shared interest, and connections that were made.
Eventually I did shed some tears (both of joy and some of sadness) and intentionally honed out some personal time for a moment of silence. A moment to reflect on how special being here was and realizing how fortunate I was; and thinking of those who could not be here who may have wanted to. I really reflected gratefully as a Wanda Chin Scholarship recipient and all those who made it possible for me to take part in this conference, and God willing one day soon be able to pay it forward and make it possible for someone like me who probably would not be able to attend without it.
It took so much to get us each where we are, and I have been so honored to learn from many people at these WMA conferences and hear their stories and journeys of how they got where they are. The museum world can often seem like places where people are just given their titles, but the truth is that for so many of us it has come through hard work, fighting against the odds, and sometimes trying to enter into spaces where we may have not been welcomed, invited, or wanted. I reflected on my own journey, and the steps of so many generations it took for me to get here, and how proud my Grandmother, a maid from Compton, California, would have been to see me where I am today. I thought of my Mom and Dad who poured so much into me, my Aunt, Uncle, and sister who have all had to work so hard to make it through so much of their own difficulties, and we all continue to do so for the next generation.
Long story short, these conferences are deeper than you could ever imagine, and I still have no words to properly express how meaningful this 2024 WMA Conference was for me.
Eo Ipso
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