It's been a week since I've been back in the Northeast and these last 7 days have allowed me to reflect more on my experience. It's amazing to me that an experience in three weeks so drastically improved my life, but my trip to New Orleans made me that much closer to becoming a real human being (footnote crediting that to RJ, thanks friend.) Being a volunteer rocks, if I could volunteer for the rest of my life I would. I am discovering how lucky I am to be able to volunteer for this short period of time. It's important to me to get outside of myself, my mind and my little Cambridge/JP bubble and actually give to people who deserve it. When you volunteer you're not doing it for a paycheck, so you actually have to want to be there (unless you're Lindsay Lohan and are required to do community service.) If you don't want to be there, then you don't go, it's as simple as that. I suppose there is an aspect of this that speaks to my fear of commitment, but I was certainly committed to Mrs. Jones' house and the project. This also means that the other people whom you meet while volunteering want to be there. It's a nice feeling, being surrounded by motivated and passionate people, it has the effect of rubbing off on you if you get close enough. I tried to get as close as possible. I invited myself to any and everything, which may have been annoying, but certainly paid off. I was able to meet amazing people and immerse myself temporarily in their lives. I met people who have done the peace corps, people who work in the entertainment industry (not porn, I know what some of you are thinking,) people who devote themselves to Americorps, singers, nurses, anthropologists. I met people on from across the spectrum, in terms of socio-economic status, political views, religious views, food views, etc. It was fantastic. I can't say that I have significantly changed my views on things, but I can certainly appreciate how others see the world and I am closer to understanding the importance of listening, just listening. I’m pretty into interesting people; nearly everyone has at least one interesting story and can educate and expand my mind.
As mentioned previously in this blog, I had never travelled alone, or at least not in this manner. I studied abroad in Australia, but went with a group of BC kids and we had our first two weeks there micromanaged. I flew the coop and hoped my wings wouldn't fail me, and they didn't. This, in and of itself, continues to empower me. That I was able to go to a place where I knew no one and create a community in 3 weeks is something I am immensely proud of. Granted I can still, and will always, be semi-awkward, but that's just an endearing piece of my personality... As weird as things got at Camp Hope at the end, I will always consider Rob and Jaime part of my extended family. Despite the fact that they had fallen on hard times and were dealing with their own shit, they took me under their wings, cooked for me and spent time with me. They have had to fight for everything they’ve ever had (both literally and metaphorically) and when given an inch they’ll try to take a foot. Initially this was off-putting and a little intimidating for a sheltered girl from Cambridge like me, but they have big hearts and I have enormous respect for them and the kind of life they are working towards.
The St. Bernard Project hooked me up with an incredible group of human beings. The group of Americorps volunteers SBP has is a force to be reckoned with, I am beyond impressed with the quality of people that SBP attracts. They allowed me into their circle and were kind and generous along the way. They taught me so much more than just how to play slosh ball (if Boston parks would only allow kegs, I would totally bring this back to MA.) Really, really stand-up people. Josh and Rachael are superstars and I’m pleased as punch that I got to spend most of my time down there in their company.
My overall feeling throughout this trip and in my reflections since being back is how freaking lucky I am to have what I have. I’m not just talking about material things, though I am obviously thankful for those things too. I’m at a loss for words to describe how blessed I feel to be surrounded by such dynamic, fascinating, intelligent, loving people in my family, my friend group and my mentors. I am clearly still drinking the love potion/kool-aid, but I am astounded by how beautiful this country is and by how many beautiful people there are in this world. I’m not historically an emotional person, but affirmations are important not just for one’s self, but for everyone (Meghan- you’re wonderful.) My optimism is fueled by my realization that I actually know what I want to do with my life. This is exciting to me because it is the first time in my memory that I’ve been so sure about what the future holds. I want others to feel this love and to see their own beauty. Of course I see that this is easy for me to say, given the fact I’m not scrambling for my next meal, or unsure of where I’ll sleep at night. But meeting people from all walks of life, listening to them, respecting them and loving them has shown me, and hopefully will continue to show me, that there is a small possibility that I can make a slight difference. I will continue to pay it forward.
This past weekend I went with my younger brother down to Brooklyn to visit my older brother. My brothers are wise and always thought provoking. On Saturday we went for a six-mile walk around Manhattan and Brooklyn. We stopped by Zuccotti Park to witness the Occupy Wall Street movement. It was awesome to see people who are so passionate about an issue and are actively pursuing change. It’s a real kick in the ass to get moving towards doing more meaningful things. We then made our way to Ground Zero. I had not been to this area since 9.11 and it was important to me that I get there. We didn’t get to see the actual memorial, since we didn’t get tickets, but it was moving nonetheless. Not surprisingly, I was emotionally overwhelmed by the sight of the holes in the ground. The sheer size of the void in the urban landscape was the kind of thing I had to see to really feel.
It was critical that I remind myself of the work this country still has ahead of it. I’m not so naïve to think that the US is all roses and rainbows, though my experiences down in New Orleans certainly painted a beautiful portrait. The unbelievable differences and divisive views that led to 9.11 and, to a lesser extent, the current political climate and the economic crisis still exist and can be discouraging. But it also reaffirms my desire to do something to attempt to begin to bridge these gaps and increase understanding. After all, we are all almost human beings; at least we have that in common. As the Beatles said, “All you need is love, love, love is all you need.” And even if this isn’t true, isn’t it a beautiful idea?
You all are wonderful.
Xo
e
No comments:
Post a Comment