Over spring break I was able to attend the Dolores Mission Trip and work at Homeboy Industries and the Guadalupe Homeless Project. On this immersion trip, 11 fellow Tologs and I were able to serve food for the homeless, help in the classrooms at the Dolores Mission School, take a tour of the Homeboy Industries silkscreen and embroidery facility, brunch at Homegirl Cafe, help facilitate an after- school program named IMPACTO, and lunch with the Animadoras, a group of women at the church who gather together to pray and share about the needs and social injustices facing the surrounding community. 

This trip was the most impactful experience I’ve had as a Tolog. I was able to help my community and learn more about certain problems that society is facing today. 

Moreover, I experienced an important interaction that people should know about as well. It occurred while serving dinner to homeless men at the Guadalupe Homeless Project, a facility across the street from the Dolores Mission. After cooking and serving the food, we were asked to sit and visit with the diners and do our best to overcome the language barrier. I joined a table where a classmate was speaking to a man in Spanish. His name was Hector. He was explaining that he is originally from a small town in Mexico. When he was younger, he ran into problems with the cartel, so he decided to immigrate to the United States and pursue the American dream. He’s been in California a short time but has had trouble finding a job. He hopes to get a stable income and maybe even start a family someday. 

In just a few minutes, Hector opened up with me. He was vulnerable and shared his struggles. Many people like to say that America is the land of opportunity but sometimes it seems that, for people like Hector, there are barely any opportunities left.  His story is just one of the millions that are impacted by immigration laws today. Though we heard many heartwarming and encouraging stories at the Dolores Mission, Hector’s story brought me back to reality and the harsh situations some people are in. 

Overall his story reminded me of the importance of empathy and kinship. Too often we get so wrapped up in the haste of the world we forget how grateful we should be for all the opportunities we have. I am a second generation Latin American, and this immersion trip experience enabled me to better understand what my grandparents had to go through in order to create a life for themselves and their future generations in America. They struggled to survive, just like Hector and so many other people today. It’s up to people like my fellow Tologs and me to provide the help we can.There’s a lot of hate and negativity in this world, but simple acts of kindness can make small steps toward a change.