After several weeks of learning about the state of the US in its struggle with hunger, poverty, and homelessness, I was pretty disappointed and disconcerted by the reality of the struggle and just how bad it is. I will fully admit I left class each day feeling really depressed, angry, and uncertain about how to fix the problem. It is such a complex, gargantuan issue with many branches, and it does seem difficult to tackle it. Nonetheless, it’s important to know these facts, the stereotypes, the stories about the impoverished and the homeless. It’s really opened my eyes and I have a much deeper respect for human endurance.

After Thursday’s class, I felt for the first time since January a little more optimistic about the problems. Working with my internship has been moving and hearing about my fellow students’ internships made me feel more relieved to know that there are people out there who are doing something to alleviate the problem. Obviously none of these organizations are perfect; obviously none of them are tackling the structural problems. My internship’s organization probably could weigh in its opinion on public policy and handling these issues, but their goal isn’t to fix structural problems and I imagine that my peers are noticing that as well with their internships. These organizations are trying to save people and to fill in the gaps that structure creates.  In spite of this, it made me feel much more optimistic to know that there is a portion of society who does have compassion, kindness, and generosity to do this kind of work. It’s not easy, and I admire them for doing it.