The trolley ride to Barrio Logan is almost an hour long. I've rode the trolley many times prior to this but this trolley ride was different. In the hour of overhead speakers reciting each stop, I caught myself wondering how many elders were riding, how many of them were homeless, and how the accessibility ramp took a little long to open up. This may be due to me taking this class and opening up a new perspective on life or simply the sheer fact that we were on our way to do a neighborhood health assessment. Either way, these thoughts embed themselves in my everyday life and I am forced to wonder how we could improve everything! From neighborhoods, to accessibility, to policies, every minor detail strikes a fire in me that wants to learn how to fix things. These embedded thoughts were no different as we walked around Barrio Logan. It was a beautiful community where you could truly feel the love and camaraderie as you turned every corner. Attached below is one of the many touching art memorials at the Chicano Skate Park. Although there was an abundance of art and culture, there were not many elders walking around which pretty much summed up our neighborhood health assessment. This was a stark contrast to the event we held on Saturday, where elders were flowing in and out all morning at the Gary and Mary Senior Wellness Center. This event was truly one of the best experiences I've ever had. It was so much fun and my heart was so warmed that we were able to provide a little bit of comfort to these amazing folks. Attached below is a picture of two elders in a warm embrace as they watched their peers take a polaroid picture. This picture captures all the warm and lovely feelings I experienced this Saturday morning.
|
Hannah ChoiHannah Choi is a Public Health major with a concentration in Public Policy and Management, she is Archives
March 2022
Categories |