While I have had the opportunity to live, interact, and learn alongside people from a variety of differing socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, never has my interaction been so deeply involved than at LIFT. Working one-on-one with clients from a variety of different walks in life has given me has broadened my perspective to include stories and experiences of the people that make up America beyond those I meet in bubbles like Tufts. Working as a student volunteer requires a certain objectivity, because people are coming to you with very real life-issues, some which you will never experience in your own life, but you have to be able to respond to with care, dedication, and creative-thinking.
I value my experience at LIFT because it has introduced me to things like public benefits that I was aware of, but that I never really thought about since I have had the privilege not to have to make use of them in my own life. Even though my childhood was never flashy, and my family has always struggled with financial resources, I realize through my work at LIFT that struggle is very much a part of the lives of many Americans.
Since I began at LIFT, I feel as though I have gained a more profound sense of humility from working with adults who sometimes have higher degrees than I do, people who definitely have more life experience, and more wisdom. They come to me so that we can work together towards goals, even though a lot of the time I am learning more from the clients than they may be learning from me. It has been a pleasure for me to use my existing strengths: my ability to think and act objectively, my ability to empathize—going beyond my somewhat limited experience and placing myself in the shoes of others, my ability to listen and be supportive, my knack for diplomacy, bridging gaps and networking, and my attention to detail, to help develop positive changes in the lives of people.
I have been inspired by clients I have worked with who have physical and mental handicaps, and despite their handicaps, they are persistent about seeking help for themselves while remaining positive and not falling into the abyss of self-pity. To me, this demonstrates resilience at its best. Although I have a tendency to feel easily overwhelmed or stressed, I realize that the steps by creating goals and steps towards those goals is very useful in tackling things and avoiding anxiety. The resilience I witness in the LIFT clients I have worked with has helped me to manage this both in my work with LIFT, and in my personal life.
