In the Presence of Genius, Once Removed

This morning I overheard a conversation between two friends who ran into each other on the train. "We got some exciting news last night," one started, then told her friend about how she'd been awakened at midnight by a phone call from someone named Francisco telling her that he'd been awarded a MacArthur Genius award! The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a name you will be able to recite in your sleep if you listen to a lot of NPR because it donates so much money, chooses 22 people each year to receive the award. They've been doing it since 1981 and have given the $500,000 award to 850 people, which is pretty amazing. They choose a wide variety, including scientists, poets, and in the case of Francisco (full name, Francisco Nunez, according to the New York Times), musicians. Apparently he is a conductor, composer and pianist, as well as being the founder and artistic director of the Young People's Chorus of NYC. The money is paid out over five years and there are no strings attached, meaning that it's simply a reward for doing great things. The woman said that Francisco had found out several days before, but was not allowed to tell anyone before midnight last night. She was on her way to their office where there was a party planned to celebrate.

These are the sort of encounters (well, sort of encounters) that keep me in a constant state of awe of how this city is simply bursting at the seams with talent. Perhaps it's the result of growing up in a small town, but great people doing great things have always seemed very remote. Yet I was literally two feet away from a woman who is involved in an organization worthy of a MacArthur grant. (She must be no slouch, herself.) For all I know, Nunez himself was riding in the next car! I have seen my share of famous, recognizable faces, but knowing that there are people all around me who I wouldn't necessarily recognize but who still impact the world in a huge way is incredible. More and more I get the sense that they are everywhere!

(Another winner was Jad Abumrad, host of one of my favorite podcasts, Radiolab, which is about science and is surprisingly accessible. I can't recommend it highly enough!)