A World We Dare to Imagine: Post 1.
There is a lot of truth to the quote. All of us were created equally. And for that reason, we all have the social responsibility to uplift the less fortunate in order to make the world a better place. Personally, I've always been thankful for the family and community I was born into. My parents have enough money to support my life and education. Not to mention, they placed me in the best university. But I grew up in a very sheltered environment, with no exposure to poverty.
I remember the biggest culture shock for me was when I drove down Skid Row for the first time. My eyes popped out of their sockets! I couldn't believe that thousands of people were living in tents. Skid Row resembled a camp site, and only the "lucky" ones were fortunate enough to actually have a tent to sleep in. My heart especially broke for the young children who were sleeping on the streets. I can't imagine what types of hardships they've faced at such a young age. In that moment, I felt so helpless. But this helplessness was molded into a sense of eagerness, because I really wanted get involved and give back to the community. So after my Skid Row experience, I did some research to find several volunteer positions which I became involved in.
These are my experiences:
1. Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition: During my free time on the weekends, I prepared and served food to the homeless. I couldn't believe that the food shelter provided such nutritious and fresh foods. On an average night, they serve fruit salad, some source of protein (e.g. steak, chicken, or beef), rice, pasta, salad, bread, and delectable desserts including Sprinkles cupcakes. Feeding them was a very rewarding experience.
2. The Midnight Mission: This center is located in the heart of Skid Row. There, I tutored homeless clients on preparing for the GED exam. I also taught them computer classes (e.g. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint). One challenge I faced was working with scary clients, including murderers who just returned from prison. I overcame this internal struggle by accepting their history, and understanding that they are here in order to better themselves.
3. Weingart Center for Homelessness: I became a Researcher at this site located on Skid Row. There, I focused my studies on how mental health affects employment among the homeless.
I feel a strong need to help the homeless. I've learned that even just giving a few hours of my time can go a far way. I believe that through my involvement with the underserved community, I am providing homeless people with basic needs (e.g. food and water from the food shelter) and education (through voluntary tutoring sessions). If everyone in society is willing to help, even for a little bit, with whatever they are passionate about, then the world will become a better place in the future.
I remember the biggest culture shock for me was when I drove down Skid Row for the first time. My eyes popped out of their sockets! I couldn't believe that thousands of people were living in tents. Skid Row resembled a camp site, and only the "lucky" ones were fortunate enough to actually have a tent to sleep in. My heart especially broke for the young children who were sleeping on the streets. I can't imagine what types of hardships they've faced at such a young age. In that moment, I felt so helpless. But this helplessness was molded into a sense of eagerness, because I really wanted get involved and give back to the community. So after my Skid Row experience, I did some research to find several volunteer positions which I became involved in.
These are my experiences:
1. Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition: During my free time on the weekends, I prepared and served food to the homeless. I couldn't believe that the food shelter provided such nutritious and fresh foods. On an average night, they serve fruit salad, some source of protein (e.g. steak, chicken, or beef), rice, pasta, salad, bread, and delectable desserts including Sprinkles cupcakes. Feeding them was a very rewarding experience.
2. The Midnight Mission: This center is located in the heart of Skid Row. There, I tutored homeless clients on preparing for the GED exam. I also taught them computer classes (e.g. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint). One challenge I faced was working with scary clients, including murderers who just returned from prison. I overcame this internal struggle by accepting their history, and understanding that they are here in order to better themselves.
3. Weingart Center for Homelessness: I became a Researcher at this site located on Skid Row. There, I focused my studies on how mental health affects employment among the homeless.
I feel a strong need to help the homeless. I've learned that even just giving a few hours of my time can go a far way. I believe that through my involvement with the underserved community, I am providing homeless people with basic needs (e.g. food and water from the food shelter) and education (through voluntary tutoring sessions). If everyone in society is willing to help, even for a little bit, with whatever they are passionate about, then the world will become a better place in the future.
Maxine,
ReplyDeleteYou're right it is really interesting how similar our posts are! I totally agree with what you are saying about Skid Row. Every time I drive down it I have the same reaction. It's really interesting hearing about your different experiences.
I commend you for your dedication in serving the homeless. I certainly would love to participate in the food coalition if I had the chance. I believe that it is important to spread the word on the issue of homelessness but also to take the role of a perpetuator as opposed to a bystander. On top of raising awareness through posting about it on social media or through speaking to peers about it in person, we should do our part and give back in whatever way possible, whether it involves doing volunteer work or donating for the cause.
ReplyDeleteHi Maxine, I am really impressed by what you did, you did so much especially at such an young age. I totally agree with you. Most of the times Mathematic is a good tool to summarize life, and in case Math tells us that even the smallest number, if summed enough times, can reach any other thinkable number. Unlucky this is not the case, as many people live in a sheltered environment and don't see how many people are in need of basic help. I think that spreading the word about this could be helpful, so that many more people could receive help.
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