Connect the Dots

As a Western Washington University student graduating next Spring in the Human Services Program, I entered a summer internship with Rosehedge/Multifaith Works.  My goals for the internship were to understand the challenges of this population, WAC (Washington Administrative Code), and be able to apply it in support of a very vulnerable population.  I didn't really have any concrete expectations and I quickly came to realize that this organization offers a wider variety of services than I had anticipated.  I came into this wanting to learn more about the functioning of a nonprofit, the challenges of this population, and wanting to learn how best to interact with this population.  I walk away with education beyond books.  I now have the knowledge of what I can do to improve someone’s quality of life today.

The other day, I was chatting with a resident who was saying how she really needs to get her Washington State ID.  She was telling me how she very much wants to go back to school and get her high school diploma so she can show her family that she can do it. The only thing she needs is her ID and the help to find the resources that could assist her in getting what she needs.  Her drive to succeed is there; all she needs is a little boost to get there.  A simple connect the dots to many people but to this woman dealing with the daily struggles of a life-threatening disease, it was a huge leap.  I didn’t have to tutor her on Algebra. I didn’t have to counsel her or her family on repairing their relationship.  That day all I had to do was provide a few resources and be there to listen.  Today, I feel like I made a difference.

Mitra Abab
Intern - Rosehedge/Multifaith Works