Who could I be?

This blog was created by a former volunteer with the help of the volunteers and sisters involved in the 2010 Charity in the City summer program, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of New York for women ages 18-30.

As a volunteer last year, I found the experience of service in the city remarkable because it challenges volunteers to ask the question pictured in the mural above-- Who Could I Be? They ask this question of themselves, but also from the humbling perspective of the people they serve over the course of two weeks. People on the fringes of their communities must ask, "Who could I be if I had a home? Or if I had an education? If I were healthy?"
At the end of the program and long after, we as volunteers ask the question with greater consciousness of others, and consequently of our own gifts, graces, and privileges. Who Could I Be? becomes How Can I Be?
Then, with greater strides, our journeys continue.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Experiencing Change, Reflections After Charity in the City

Mariah in the chapel of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Pediatric Center.

Written by volunteer Mariah L., age 19
Mariah studies Interior Architecture and Illustration at the  Rhode Island School of Design.  

We don’t realize how much we have until we gaze upon and assist those who have nothing. We often take for granted the food we consume and the place where we live and sleep. Often we complain about the minor inconveniences in our lives-- I know I had a negative thought or two about the firmness of my pillow at the convent. But when I interacted with the lonely inhabitants of the crowded city, I realized we need to put things in perspective. How can we let the mentally disabled and the helpless live outside, on the side of the road? How can we pass by a human soul and ignore it until it withers and decays into the landscape of the city? Why are we groomed to ignore the homeless-- someone’s son, someone’s sister or cousin? Was it a conscious choice that brought them to this street corner? Probably not.

We need to help those who cannot help themselves. This experience gave me a chance to do just that.

Overall I had a very enjoyable experience. The young women I met, conversed with, and worked beside became some of my dear friends, and I know in our travels we will meet again.
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1 comment:

  1. Goma ThapaliyaJune 17, 2010 at 7:56 PM

    Mariah!!!! You go girl. You put things in beautiful perspectives. I am really touched by your views. We should do this again. I feel blessed having you all great souls. As Helen said, every body in our community during those weeks are "Saint," I feel the same reading your blog. Love you, and Miss you already.
    God Bless!

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