My Hunger For Change by Khadija

My Hunger For Change by Khadija - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I would always ask my mother to tell me stories about her home back in Somalia before we fled from the war. She would refuse to tell me because she could only remember hunger, famine, poverty, and the death that was everywhere. She would tell me how people became so hungry that they consumed a mix of flour and water to stop the hunger pangs that ripped through their stomach and made their children howl in agony at night. Stories like this affected me throughout my life.
I’ve seen many homeless people growing up in City-Heights for the first nine years of my life in the United States. One instance that really stuck with me was seeing a family with two children and a mother on the street. Knowing how difficult it is for my mother to provide for eight children, I felt uneasy. My family has had instances where we did not have enough to eat and we were waiting on the next check to come in. These experiences humbled me, and I felt the most grateful when I could help someone.
This is the reason why I have worked with New Seasons Church to assist in their annual Thanksgiving block party for the past three and a half years. Individuals from all over San Diego came to take food and clothing to their families for the holidays. I would go to the church around 7:00 AM on a Saturday and we would set up-- fruits, vegetables, pastries, pies, mashed potatoes and, of course, turkey. There were stations where people could pick up a bag or two of food, clothing, and toys. For about four hours, I would talk to the people in my community. We would play music and have fun, enjoying each other's company while making a difference. In those moments, I felt the utmost gratitude. We come from all walks of life-- diverse religions, ethnic and cultural backgrounds to feed our communities and serve those who are marginalized and underrepresented. The best part was not waking up at 7:00 AM or earning community service hours; instead, it was the feeling that my contribution relieved someone of any hunger or other adversities they may be facing at the time. In my second year collaborating with the church, my family and I were kicked out of our home. It was difficult to find an affordable place that satisfied Section 8’s standards in less than 3 months. I was stressed with finals while trying to help my family pack our belongings and find a new place we could call home. Nevertheless, I woke up at 6:00 AM to prepare for the block party.
Throughout my years of collaboration with the church and making my decision to pursue a Psychology B.S. with a Specialization in Clinical Psychology I realized that everyone faces adversities. The question is who will use what they have learned to heal the world and not allow challenges to jeopardize their own success. There is a healing that derives from helping others and being surrounded by a community of people who have the same motive: bringing people together.
Word count: 525