Fred Sanchez
First and last name: Fred Joseph Sanchez
Year in school: Junior
Major: Economics
Home city/state/country: Los Angeles, CA
1. Where did you work?
Julian Street Inn, San Jose, CA
2. What was the title of your position?
Student Volunteer
3. When did you work there?
Sept. '03 - Dec. '03, then sparingly, as possible
4. What did you do?
My job was to interact with the people through dialogue, table games, or sharing a meal. I was also learning through observing.
5. How did you hear about this position?
I heard about it from SCCAP members
6. How does what you learned through this experience relate to your coursework and/or career goal?
It relates in that helping homeless and/or mentally disabled people through economically empowering solutions is an issue I may want to research in my study.
7. How did this experience help you develop your skills and abilities, your personal qualities, your values and perceptions?
I found it quite difficult at first to approach individuals at Julian Street Inn but by sharing interests such as baseball, dominos, and food, I was able to better communicate and further understand several clients.
8. What did you learn about yourself that surprised you?
I had several revelations that allowed me to see the potential in my life. I learned that one's life can take many different routes, and that one's self is his most valuable capital.
9. How would you describe the value of this experience to other students?
The value, I think, lies in each person's willingness to better understand the situations in which clients at Julian Street Inn find themselves. It is also in personal reflection derived from such interaction.
10. What advice would you give to students interested in doing this?
I would advice any student not to interact with just one of clients who finds himself comfortable with them, but to observe and communicate with several groups and individuals. It is also rewarding to sit among everyone and share a meal with them.
