After 3 terms here at ShelterCare, it is sadly time for me to say goodbye. I have spent countless hours working alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate people I have encountered during my time here in Eugene. Not only staff, but consumers as well. Their spirit has inspired me to continue working in the human services field and attempt to remedy the inadequacies in our communities.
I believe I left off on the brink of starting my senior project. Though it was not always easy, creating and implementing this Life Skills Curriculum at the Uhlhorn Program for people with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. During my final presentation, my supervisor raised his hand to ask what part of the project I most enjoyed. It was really hard for me to say. Was it working with Uhlhorn’s staff; who truly care about and work for their consumers? Was it spreading awareness about the happenings at Uhlhorn? Or learning about the clients? All of these pieces were incredible learning experiences, but my favorite piece of this project was the moment in every class where one of the consumers would absolutely surprise me. Whether it was by their passion about a topic, their recollection of a story or lesson previously discussed, or their sheer will to survive and stay positive through unfavorable circumstances. Our minds are often clouded by the research and generalizations that we use to get funding and draft documents. I can tell you first hand that yes, memory loss is an issue with ABI survivors, but even the consumer most affected can remind you of something you forgot to mention. And yes, ABI survivors have issues with depression and isolation, but it’s hard to see those issues when they are sitting in front of you telling a story with a grin on their face. We are all multi-dimensional, even those of us who are quickly marginalized. I think this is one very important lesson I will carry with me in future endeavors.
I would like to thank all of those people at ShelterCare who gave me the opportunity to succeed. My confidence in my own abilities, and the good nature of people in this world, have sky rocketed. To all of those who are not sure how to make a difference or don’t feel that they can afford to, it all starts with a change of mindset. Tolerance should be like breathing, natural and ever present. We all have a story, a past, a time when we made a poor choice, or a time when we had no choice at all. Let us remember those times when we are around others so that compassion may be the first reserve in our mind rather than judgment.
A favorite quote: “ be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” – Unknown
I am pretty sure I have said this before, but I will say it again: Keep on fighting the good fight!
Lindsay Walsh
