Once a week I venture out
of my cloistered environment here at
At first, my experience was
not fulfilling my expectations. I expected to serve the poor. I did not expect
to help someone else serve the meals. Because of this, I found my job to be
less rewarding than what I had hoped for. In an effort to make this a
meaningful experience, I decided to do less directing and more interacting with
the guest. Now, instead of helping the children, I usually sit at the tables
and chat. I have learned a lot about life from my conversations with the guest.
Listening to their stories has taught me humility. I now know what it means to
be compassionate and empathetic.
I owe much of what I have
learned to a special person, Joel. Joel is an elderly man who comes to the soup
kitchen regularly. He usually comes in carrying a shopping bag filled with
photographs, newspaper clippings, and magazines. Although these items seem
insignificant, a lot of Joel’s time is spent assembling and matting the
photographs, and newspaper clippings. Usually they are of importance to Joel,
for example, pictures or descriptions of musical instruments. He is a skillful
musician, and music is, therefore, a central part of his life. Many of our
conversations have been based upon music, however, sometimes Joel informs me of
his philosophies. Joel’s convictions are well thought out, and sometimes, very
convincing. Clearly, Joel is an intelligent man with a vivid memory.
Unfortunately, Joel suffers from anxiety disorder. Obviously, this personality
disorder has affected his life. Despite the fact that Joel never, "made
it," in mainstream society, he has certainly influenced me, and my values,
and for that I am grateful.
Working at the soup kitchen
has been an incredible learning experience. I have realized a lot about my life
and the world around me. Since volunteering at the soup kitchen, I have come to
value my family and my education a lot more. I now know and believe that to be
without a family and a support network is to be without a home.
Working at the soup kitchen
has helped me understand homelessness. I knew a lot about the history and
causes of homelessness, but now I comprehend what being homeless is like. My
relationship with Joel has enabled me to better identify with the literature
and newspaper articles that we read in class. I am more responsive to politics
and bureaucracy because of the ties I have built with people outside my
economic status. More importantly, I am committed to ending poverty since
working at the soup kitchen. I see the harm it does to decent human beings. No
one deserves the inhumane lifestyle of homelessness. I now believe the words of
JFK, "If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save
the few who are rich,"- John F. Kennedy, inaugural address,
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