Meals. Socializing opportunities. Technology. Medical services. Home. The visit to the Gary and Mary West Senior Center provided these basic necessities to seniors in the San Diego community. Through the representative's presentation, I was astonished to learn disheartening facts regarding the lack of affordable housing. Those who are fortunate to receive limited vouchers must wait 7 to 11 years before being able to redeem those vouchers for a living situation. The federal poverty line is $12,490 which is a huge underestimate of what is needed to live. Anyone can be at risk for homeless, from those who are victims of substance abuse to college professors laid off due to the ruthless economy and the harsh obstacles encountered in life. The presentation widened my point of view on the origins of homelessness and poverty and reinforced the necessity of obtaining the highest education level to avoid these situations.
I was pleased to observe the general amicable nature of the elderly at this senior center. Despite struggling with homeless and poverty, many were willing to talk to undergraduate students. I conversed with one lady named Dwaina who told me she was a medical translator before retiring. Despite being generations apart, we were similar in many ways. Within minutes of our conversation, our love of reading, passion for history, and predilection for outdoor activities formed a bond. She shared how important education and family were and I agreed. To her, the center provided meals and activities she needed to get through the day. Later, she asked me for her phone number and we maintained communication after our class visit finished!
I was pleased to observe the general amicable nature of the elderly at this senior center. Despite struggling with homeless and poverty, many were willing to talk to undergraduate students. I conversed with one lady named Dwaina who told me she was a medical translator before retiring. Despite being generations apart, we were similar in many ways. Within minutes of our conversation, our love of reading, passion for history, and predilection for outdoor activities formed a bond. She shared how important education and family were and I agreed. To her, the center provided meals and activities she needed to get through the day. Later, she asked me for her phone number and we maintained communication after our class visit finished!