Washington and Lee University
Hometown: Medford Lakes, New Jersey
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Internship: N Street Village, Washington, D.C.
The Shepherd Poverty Program has provided me with the opportunity to explore the intricacies of poverty and inequality. This exploration was fraught with humility and challenges yet proved extremely rewarding. The Program took me inside classrooms at local schools, to a camp for grieving children in the Blue Ridge Mountains and within a group home for mentally ill homeless women in Washington, DC. It exposed me to domestic violence in Lexington, literacy issues around Rockbridge County and childcare dilemmas for single parents. These explorations evoked tremendous emotions and supplied me with the passion and purpose behind my fight for social justice. My experiences through the Shepherd Program not only fueled my desire to affect positive change, they provided me with the direction, first-hand knowledge and skills to do so successfully. Furthermore, my work with different populations throughout my experience allowed me to determine that children are my passion. As I investigate post-graduate options, my search now focuses on work with children.
Upon completion of the Shepherd Program I now hold a greater understanding of the issues surrounding poverty. The Shepherd Program has opened my eyes to the trials and tribulations facing fellow members of society. Containing this knowledge and understanding, I can no longer ignore those struggling and therefore choose to dedicate my future to service. It is easy to lose perspective while embracing the college experience and I am thankful to the Shepherd Program for maintaining my sense of reality. The Program has enhanced my studies, my college experience, and positively impacted my future and the future of those I have served and plan to serve.
Service:
Capstone Paper Topic
Pushing Single Mothers into the Workforce: Shoving Children into Inadequate Childcare