Basic Needs

I almost started crying today as I met with a client. 

Technically, my job is to work as an advocate for education, but I somehow find myself involved in so many other scenarios where my help is needed in other realms. Today’s topics: food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security. My client is an immigrant who speaks very little English, and has been having a lot of issues navigating the system. He has made it clear multiple times that he isn't doing this for himself, but he wants to get help for his son. The fact that he has been going through this for months just broke my heart. He is struggling to pay rent, pay for food, and find insurance that will cover his son’s medical needs, and I was the one who had to help him. I know nothing about any of these things! How am I qualified to be in charge of helping this man get his basic needs met? It made me emotional to think of so many people out there who don’t have anyone advocating for them—how many people must feel so lost in paperwork and terminology and requirements. As I sifted through the mail he brought in, I was overcome with compassion for him and all those like him, and I feel more driven than ever to keep doing what I’m doing and fighting for the forgotten ones. 

Luckily, one of my roommates is more involved in the world of the Human Resources Administration, so I have been able to reach out to her for help and advice. I admire her and everyone doing that kind of work so much for seeing cases like this day in and day out. These unsung heroes are really making a difference in the lives of so many.

On a lighter note, today is Good Friday, yesterday was Holy Thursday, tomorrow is Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday comes afterward. Holy Week Rebecca Blaaack. I’ll be missing my family in the next few days, but I’m glad to have my New York family here to celebrate with! My family is currently out in Victorville taking food to people living on the street, a Good Friday tradition that we started years ago. I SO wish I could be with them, but I know that my place is here, rejoicing with the beautiful weather that will hopefully continue for these next few days!

Visiting the Melodie

I have been lucky enough to see so many friends from home while living here in New York. As it turns out, people actually want to come here! Not necessarily always to see me, but hey, I'm a bonus! 

oh you know, just the view from the Brooklyn Bridge.

I have seen friends from high school whom I haven't talked to in years, friends from college who came for my birthday, cousins who came for their Spring Break, and friends (and a certain boyfriend) who have come just for meee (and also maybe New York). I have walked, eaten, and laughed. A lot. 

macarons from Ladurée.

I looove being able to share my new city (and my couch/floor space) with all of these visitors! It always gives me butterflies when I get to see Times Square at night or when I walk through the beauty of Central Park. It's been seven and a half months and still has not gotten old! I don't know if it ever will. This city never ceases to amaze me, and I love being reminded of how lucky I am while I show these sights, sounds, and smells to people from home.

I DIED. Van Ghoh at MoMA.

So, if you're wondering whether or not I want you to come visit me, I DO. Through touring around my tourist friends, I've witnessed again and again how wonderful this city is and how happy I am to be living here. It's been an absolute dream come true: I had been wanting to live in New York ever since I was a little girl! And now that I've been given the chance, I want to share my experience with anyone and everyone (within reason).

So, pack your bags, and come see my home. And maybe take me out to dinner or something.