From the Intern Desk …
March 19th, 2010by Intern Desk
Ed. Note: This week’s entry is written by Jennifer, a Bonner Leader from Saint Mary’s College who is spending her second semester with St. Anthony’s as a member of the Guest Services team:
Since I first walked down the ramp in the Dining Room on one sunny day in early September, I have had many experiences that have changed my outlook on life. I come from a very small town and had never worked with homeless people prior to entering St. Anthony’s. I could write at length about each experience and how it has affected me, but I will do you, as the reader, a favor and keep this blog a reasonable brief.
A diverse group of people walk down the Dining Room ramp every day, and they all have one thing in common: poverty. Each individual is in a different situation and level of poverty, yet these contrasting traits hold no overbearing significance once he or she walks through the doors of the Dining Room. Each person is unique and helps to form the community of St. Anthony’s. Each person is treated with respect.
I recently had the opportunity to spend the day delivering meals to the homebound folks in the neighborhood. I was stunned by the terrible conditions the SROs (most common housing arrangement in the TL) are in. Now that I have seen where many of our guests live and have taken into account that, for some of them, this is the only meal of the day, I have come to admire and respect them even more than before. It is amazing to see these individuals come down to the Dining Room with such positive attitudes.
I often find myself complaining about silly things, like how much homework I have or how I ate too much at dinner. Never once had I formerly stopped to think about those in the Tenderloin and the rest of the world that are not as fortunate. When I see the smiles on their faces, it is a reminder for me to appreciate all the commodities I have in my life. These individuals are my inspiration.
Tags: dining room, interns