what does it mean to be human?

i'm completely frustrated with this question, which is a good thing. my brain is active and protons recreating to formulate a coherent response to this complicated question. we have to write a paper for my Christian Anthropology class that answers just that, and i have many ideas but no central focus. from the professor's perspective (Father Mike Raskcho), to be human is to live in "the creative tension between finite emodiment and infinite self-transcedence". see i could quote that without even looking, which is one of two things 1) i'm paying attention in class 2) father mike is repeating himself way too much. my initial response to the question what does it mean to be human? was to be human is "to have the capacity to love, experience pain, and be concious/or unconcious of mysteries (like death), God, Holy Spirit, self and others". that was the first day of class, but i'm only beginning to understand the foundations of "systematic theology". i have also talked to many a people searching for insight, alas i'm overwhelmed with information. i prayed to God to give me what He wanted me to say, maybe even type the paper on my computer. and no worries, in the morning i'd be sure to profread it. LAM (laugh at myself) this one is on me and will need to come from my God-give experience and God-given perspective. maybe the question is easier than i think. as my godfather once said "drea, the gift really lies in taking what is complex and making it simple." i'm with him on this one. in the next few days i'll look within, and update you on my progress.
(original photography by drea, June 2011)