Blog 3: Bittersweet

This week was bittersweet because my supervisor had her last official day at the office on Wednesday. She's still going to be on as a consultant until we're done working on the event, but she's going to be in the office less. Everyone was sad that she was leaving because she had done a lot for the CDF. She's going back to school to get her master's, and while she's there, she is going to be working with an organization that works with homeless shelters and provides kids a safe place to play. Its good that she's going on to the next stage in her life, but its clear that she will be missed.

This week is also bittersweet because Sunday marks the halfway point of the program. It doesn't feel like we've been here that long, so it feels weird to know we're getting close to the end.

I also feel like I've been getting used to living in a city. Since I'm from the suburbs, I was always a little apprehensive about potentially living in a city, but I know that's where most of the nonprofits are located. But after being here for a few weeks, I actually like it a lot. There's always something to do, which is nice, and there are a lot more free events than I had expected. The public transport in DC is pretty easy to get used to as well.

I think I'm getting closer to figuring out what issues I want to work on in the future. There are a lot of people here who are homeless. I haven't done research into it, but between how often I've seen homeless people and the number of times other people have brought up the issue, I feel like its something we should be doing more about. It bothers me that there are people who have so much, but they probably aren't even thinking about anyone who is without a home. I don't think there are many- if any- members of Congress who actually walk around the city and think about this on a daily basis. After watching the debates this week, I heard candidates talk about economic policies that will help the middle class. But it is rare for them to talk about poverty. One of my professors would always tell us that politicians don't care about young people because they don't show up to the polls. The homeless shouldn't be ignored by our government just because its difficult for them to vote.

Even though this week has been somewhat bittersweet, I still feel grateful that I'm here and that this program exists. I'm thankful for the community here and for everything God has given us to help guide us while we are here. 

-Jared