October
20th was a fairly busy day at the NIU Health Advocacy Clinic. The afternoon
started with an interdisciplinary presentation about the roles of social
workers from Neil McMenamin, Associate Director of Hesed House. Listening to
him describe how faith and the Church led him to help others through social
work really inspired me. He also described how he grew up on the east side of
Aurora where poverty was not as prevalent as it is by where Hesed is located.
This comment made me realize how we can sometimes forget that poverty exists
where we least expect.
Prior to working at the clinic, I had a much different perception of Aurora. I certainly did not view Aurora as an uber-wealthy suburb like Kenilworth or Wilmette but rather a typical, middle-class Midwestern suburb. The first thing that always came to mind when I thought about Aurora was the Chicago Premium Outlets shopping center which even has a Versace outlet. Homelessness was the last thing that came to mind when thinking of Aurora. My time at the clinic has altered my perception forever.
Meeting with a client after the presentation put the theme of the “other Aurora” front and center again. “John” lives on less than $10 a week and his last job was decades ago. Most of his meals are at soup kitchens or pantries. The fact that in 2017 in the United States somebody could live like John saddened me beyond belief. Driving home, I was absolutely haunted by this man and his situation. I started to notice things I did not notice before like abandoned factories. I called my father on the phone and we talked about Aurora. We both came to the conclusion that this is a town the recession probably hit hard.
Throughout the rest of the week, I became so annoyed when I would hear friends or even my mother complaining about not having the money to buy every luxury item they desire. No doubt, we are a society obsessed with consumerism. I know people who consider poverty to be not being able to buy everything the Kardashians can buy. Most of them do not know about the suffering which is going on so close to home. They would not be able to imagine the stories I have heard since working at the clinic, stories of mothers living at the shelter with small children.
My time at the clinic has truly changed me forever and made me a more thankful person. At the same time, I am inspired to help more. Like Neil McMenamin, I have been active in the Catholic Church my whole life. Faith inspired me to want to help the world, and I was initially led to the Middle East. Now, the clinic has opened my mind to ways I can make a difference here in the States. I encourage any students who want to make a difference in the lives of others to participate in this clinic. The work we do restores a sense of dignity and self-worth to those who need it most.
Prior to working at the clinic, I had a much different perception of Aurora. I certainly did not view Aurora as an uber-wealthy suburb like Kenilworth or Wilmette but rather a typical, middle-class Midwestern suburb. The first thing that always came to mind when I thought about Aurora was the Chicago Premium Outlets shopping center which even has a Versace outlet. Homelessness was the last thing that came to mind when thinking of Aurora. My time at the clinic has altered my perception forever.
Meeting with a client after the presentation put the theme of the “other Aurora” front and center again. “John” lives on less than $10 a week and his last job was decades ago. Most of his meals are at soup kitchens or pantries. The fact that in 2017 in the United States somebody could live like John saddened me beyond belief. Driving home, I was absolutely haunted by this man and his situation. I started to notice things I did not notice before like abandoned factories. I called my father on the phone and we talked about Aurora. We both came to the conclusion that this is a town the recession probably hit hard.
Throughout the rest of the week, I became so annoyed when I would hear friends or even my mother complaining about not having the money to buy every luxury item they desire. No doubt, we are a society obsessed with consumerism. I know people who consider poverty to be not being able to buy everything the Kardashians can buy. Most of them do not know about the suffering which is going on so close to home. They would not be able to imagine the stories I have heard since working at the clinic, stories of mothers living at the shelter with small children.
My time at the clinic has truly changed me forever and made me a more thankful person. At the same time, I am inspired to help more. Like Neil McMenamin, I have been active in the Catholic Church my whole life. Faith inspired me to want to help the world, and I was initially led to the Middle East. Now, the clinic has opened my mind to ways I can make a difference here in the States. I encourage any students who want to make a difference in the lives of others to participate in this clinic. The work we do restores a sense of dignity and self-worth to those who need it most.
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