Sarah Attwood
First and last name: Sarah Attwood
Year in school: Junior
Major: Religious Studies
Home city/state/country: Chandler, AZ
1. Where did you work?
SCCAP (Santa Clara Community Action Program)
2. What was the title of your position?
Program Coordinator for Julian Street Inn, a local homeless shelter in San Jose
3. When did you work there?
September 2004 - June 2005
4. What did you do?
I recruited volunteers to accompany me to Julian Street Inn each Saturday morning where we would cook and serve breakfast, as well as visit with all the residents at the shelter.
5. How did you hear about this position?
After volunteering with different programs within SCCAP throughout my freshman year, one of the Program Coordinators informed me of the position and upcoming interviews/applications.
6. How does what you learned through this experience relate to your coursework and/or career goal?
My experience at Julian Street, as well as with the incredible SCCAP staff, perfectly related with my coursework this year. I focused a lot of my studies on specific theology classes in the Religious Studies department that connected well with issues of social justice, faith, and suffering: Practical Theology, Human Suffering: The Job Project, and Faith, Justice and Poverty. It was so incredible to take these classes in conjunction with my experiences working at a homeless shelter. It made me realize how incredibly important faith is when dealing with issues of injustice and poverty, and how it serves as the foundation for my career goals. Working at the homeless shelter and forming such unique relationships with the residents there has been a confirmation that I must find a career centered on the pursuit of social justice.
7. How did this experience help you develop your skills and abilities, your personal qualities, your values and perceptions?
This experience has been my guide throughout a year full of growth and transition. Developing close, incredible friendships with many homeless persons has shattered so many stereotypes and assumptions of homelessness, and opened my eyes to the Ignatian practice of "finding God in all things." I have certainly found God in the people at Julian Street Inn - people who have been ignored, ridiculed, and blamed all their life. Each unique story they have shared with me has taught me many important life lessons and values.
Solidarity is quite a buzz word on the Santa Clara campus, but it wasn't until working with SCCAP that I could begin to understand what it meant. Many stories residents told me were heartbreaking, and as I began to slowly open my heart to their pain, I was open to such a deeper experience. I was constantly reminded of the Immersion trip quote: "If you have come here to help me, you're wasting your time. But if you've come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." Solidarity is about entering into the pain of others.
8. What did you learn about yourself that surprised you?
I learned that I had a very narrow view of the world. And while learning that was an incredibly painful process, it was crucial. I guess the painful things in life are the most meaningful; I wouldn't trade the impact Julian Street has had on me for anything else. I can honestly say I am a very different person than I was last year. I learned that I love listening to people, and hearing their incredible stories.
9. How would you describe the value of this experience to other students?
It was immeasurable! Immersing yourself in the community is the greatest growth experience available. It is incredibly important to step out of the Santa Clara "bubble" and recognize the pain and suffering that exists in the world. The experience is so valuable in providing a more realistic world view.
10. What advice would you give to students interested in doing this?
Keep an open mind and open heart when working in the community. Volunteer with SCCAP as much as possible! There are so many different programs available that allow anyone to find something that interests them - homelessness, tutoring, disabilities, environmental issues, etc. Explore the options; there is a world out there - there are people out there - that need to be heard.
