My STEP Signature Project was focused on service learning at Star House, a local drop-in center for homeless youth ages 14-24 around the Columbus area. During this time, I directly engaged with the residents inside by providing them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and more. Furthermore, I worked to foster a sense of community through organizing programs such as basketball games, art days, or talent shows.
Volunteering at Star House has not only allowed me to make an immediate impact in my community, but also enhanced my understanding of the world around me. My first day, I expected a homogenous group of youth all struggling from the same extenuating challenge of homelessness. However, the racial diversity inside immediately struck me. Over time, I started to see this was not the only way the residents differed, as the factors that brought them to us ranged from discrimination to abuse, addiction, and beyond. Furthermore, even amidst an environment of generally low socioeconomic status, the wealth disparity inside was evident by the quality and quantity of certain youth’s belongings in comparison to others.
These realizations showcased the breadth of ways individuals can differ, even amongst an already separated population. Initially, engaging with such a diverse group was challenging, but consistent exposure taught me the importance of personalized care. By focusing on each specific person, I began to see how their unique experiences resulted in different needs. Some residents seek comfort while others want advice or just to share their story. I found that recognizing these needs and adapting how I interact was the key to substantially improving my ability to support the youth in their healing journey.
The relationships I developed with the youth were pivotal aspects of the transformation process. I remember on one of my first days, I heard a voice call out “Jerry!” to me. That is not my name, so I turned around with a puzzled look and was surprised to see a youth I did not recognize walking towards me. Turns out, that was just how he liked to introduce himself. We struck up conversation, and I felt the beginning of the first connection I made at Star House. I nicknamed him “Tom” after the cartoon cat, and over time, we bonded over a shared love of music. One particularly memorable night, Tom asked if I wanted to hear him sing, and he burst out into a rendition of “Arabian Nights”. Instantly, I was transported back to my childhood and vividly remembered watching the opening scene of Aladdin.
As Tom and I grew closer, I learned more about his background, hearing about his past familial issues that had led to a falling out. Despite his grandparents being wealthy, he still ended up at Star House and could not receive their help. While he had more possessions than most due to retaining certain parts of his past life, he was as seemingly stuck as anyone else there.
My relationship with Tom starkly contrasted with my interactions with another notable youth named “Shay,” who was particularly skeptical of me at the start. Despite her being a vocal participant in the activities and discussions around Star House, her comments to me were always dismissive. However, this only fueled my determination to connect with her, as I wanted to positively impact everyone here, not just those who were easy to engage with. Over time, I noticed Shay enjoyed reading the Percy Jackson books, which were my absolute favorite when I was younger. Once, when she began discussing the series with others at her table, I seized the opportunity to join the conversation, and this moment provided the starting point for our relationship, as she began openly approaching me whenever I was at Star House.
Discussions with Shay also differed widely, as she had come from an immigrant family that was struggling to make it themselves. They all suffered from discrimination both personally and professionally, resulting in a challenging early life. However, their family was in tact and remained determine to overcome any obstacles together.
When working with a marginalized group, it is natural to assume they all face the same hardships, but my time at Star House revealed this to not be the case and reshaped my perspective on caring for those in need. What I learned will continue impacting me on my journey in medical school and beyond as I work towards becoming a compassionate physician. Not only did it train me to serve in the type of environment I aim to practice in, but it also helped me see the parallels between caring for homeless youth and patients suffering from the same illness. The human body is complicated, causing everyone to have a wide range of different symptoms. However, even when removing the physiological aspects of care, patients will still encounter distinct challenges because their former experiences and current living situation impact how they react mentally. Being mindful of these differences is crucial to centering the treatment around each specific patient, which ultimately provides the highest quality care.
