I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma so moving to Washington, D.C. was a big change for me. As a journalist I was looking forward to working for a bigtime newspaper, so when I was assigned to Street Sense I had no idea what to expect. As an intern for Street Sense, I have come to see the world in a whole new light. There are no frills or balloons, rainbows or elegant parties.
This is the real deal. Lives of those who are losing hope; they are holding onto their sanity while gripping the Street Sense newspaper, hoping someone walking by their bench or corner will want to read it. They crave that one dollar that may never come. I must admit to those of you who do not know these vendors and volunteers, they are some of the most amazing people you will ever come across. I have learned so much not only about becoming a better writer but becoming a more humble, giving person.
The stories I have heard and people I have come across have opened my eyes to the real world and how things truly are. They are not as whimsical as most think. I feel as though I have been confined to an air-tight bubble my whole life and after spending four months with the people here at Street Sense, I know I will never be the same. My heart goes out to them and all of their circumstances as they are now my friends and I am sad to leave, knowing I may never see some of them again.
The homeless are sometimes viewed as lazy people who suck the money out of the pockets of hard workers—in my experience here at Street Sense I have learned the exact opposite. With many of my new friends here, their circumstances have brought them to Street Sense and given them an opportunity for a new life.
I have seen the transformation of a man who had nothing but the shirt on his back into a man of gumption who hopped in a car heading west to take a job offer. He was one of the happiest men I have ever met. Every morning I came to work he brought me something to eat and it made me want to cry because he is so giving while having so little himself. I have also witnessed a dear friend looking for his family for years, only to find them with the help of one of his customers who buys Street Sense. You never know whose life you might change forever with a small gesture.
Laura Osuri and Mary Otto, the director and the editor of the paper, have dedicated their time and efforts into making a difference in this city and it is changing one person and a time. I know I have changed because of these two amazing women.
Being a part of the Street Sense staff has been a true honor and I respect these vendors not only as friends but as fellow employees who work so hard to make their living. I want to extend my appreciation to those of you who donate to Street Sense and to these wonderful vendors. You truly are a “Street Sense angel” and you are making a difference. Don’t give up on them, they have so much more to give you than you might be able to give them.
