Written Reflection:
The DC trip was an eye-opening experience that connected directly with the themes we have explored in class, especially around homelessness, empathy, and the importance of community engagement. The day began at the DC Central Kitchen, where I was asked to help package fresh grapes, which at first seemed like a simple task. However, the trainers ensured that we strictly followed health standards and safety rules, emphasizing the importance of hygiene when preparing food for vulnerable populations. What stood out to me was the perfect balance between patience and professionalism from the staff. They were kind and welcoming, appreciating our work, but they also didn’t hesitate to correct us when we made mistakes, such as forgetting to wear gloves. Their attitude reminded me that meaningful service requires both empathy and structure. Afterward, we visited the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), where we met Penny, Nicky, and Sean—three individuals with lived experiences of homelessness. Listening to them was both humbling and enlightening. Two of them were still going through homelessness, and one had managed to escape after five years. What surprised me most was how candid they were, answering our questions openly without taking offense, even when the questions were very direct. The stories they shared gave me insights that changed how I view homelessness. Sean and Nicky, for example, both looked well-dressed and put together, which made me realize how invisible homelessness can be. We had previously discussed in class that people—especially women—tend to hide their homelessness, and this conversation helped solidify my understanding of that concept. Nicky’s story stood out to me because of her strong sense of self-worth despite her situation. Her attitude of "I like who I am, and I don't care what others think" struck a chord with me and highlighted the importance of mental resilience during difficult times. We then met with for a discussion with Joshua Stewart, which focused on the policy side of homelessness, showing us how systemic issues contribute to the problem and how policies can either alleviate or worsen it. His insights were a reminder that homelessness is not just an individual issue—it is deeply connected to housing policies, economic inequality, and mental health systems. Meeting him gave me a clearer picture of how advocacy efforts and policy changes are essential to addressing homelessness on a larger scale. The final part of our trip involved distributing clothes to the homeless in parks around DC. As an international student from a developing country, I didn’t expect to see homelessness so visibly present in the capital of the United States. It was surprising to encounter so many people sleeping on benches and in parks. I’ve participated in clothing drives back home, but this experience was different—here, the people we met were incredibly grateful for the clothes we brought, even if the items didn’t fit. I found it surprising that only one person asked for food, and no one asked for money; it showed that their immediate needs weren’t always what I expected. Distributing clothes allowed me to see these individuals as more than just statistics or concepts discussed in class. It gave a face to homelessness, reinforcing that these are real people with real stories. It was also a moment of reflection for me—I realized how easy it is to make assumptions about people’s lives based on appearances. Thus, the trip was both challenging and rewarding. It connected the theoretical knowledge from class with real-world experiences, deepening my understanding of homelessness in ways that readings alone could not have. From the structured but warm environment at DCCK to the honest conversations at NCH, the policy insights from Joshua, and the personal interactions during the clothing drive, every part of the trip was a reminder that homelessness is complex and multi-faceted.
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