Hi, I’m the New Kid on the Blog
A few minutes ago I started writing out my first blog, and then I realized that I have not yet introduced myself… My name is Kelsey. I am a Biology major, Psychology Minor with the hope of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. I chose to come to MCPC this semester for a few reasons. One reason was: God has bestowed upon me a deep desire to use my life to serve the poor. My hope is that encountering the urban poor will help me to decide if this is the field where I am called for ministry. Another reason was I am drawn to the city- the excitement, opportunity, diversity- I find this lifestyle intriguing. A last motivation for coming was to get out of Grantham for a while. In Grantham, I love the people, the classes, and the beauty of campus. But, at the same time, I was tired of running that same path around campus, of watching countless movies in the dorms, and going to Daybreak each Sunday. I was ready for my next adventure!
It has been three weeks since the semester started, and I am already considering how I could work out my schedule to stay another semester. The funny thing is I can not place my finger on why I am so undoubtedly infatuated with this experience. Perhaps it is because I have become at home with the close knit community of MCPC students (and faculty). With in weeks I feel a sense of family- of belonging, security, and safety- with the group of friends that I have here. Or maybe it is because I am enthralled by the people that I meet, bump into, and even notice from afar. Or, it could even be, because I am enticed by the options, entertainment, and unique dining that is suddenly an eight minute subway ride away. Whatever the case, all I know is that I find joy here everyday. I never expected such a blessing.
But living here has already presented challenges along with its pleasures. What do you say to a homeless man begging for money? “God bless you” is often my first instinct but what do I give? How can I help? Another challenge has been meeting so many students without faith. Out of the Temple students that I have met so far, I have found it most common that my peers are jaded or even resentful because of some “religious experience” in their past. Can I try to be like Jesus- can I love, feed the (spiritually & physically) hungry, and offer Truth like He did? I hope so…
One Response to “Hi, I’m the New Kid on the Blog”
on 16 Feb 2009 at 3:37 pm # Ryan Sensenig
Excellent First Entry. As a Fall 2005 MCPC student, I felt all of your emotions and more as I studied at MCPC. And here I am, more than 3 years later, still living in the City of Philadelphia. We need great people in the city, to do great things. I hope you enjoy your experience, and eventually call Philadelphia home.
I am surprised that other people are feeling Jaded or Resentful of your religious experience. As important as I feel that your religious beliefs and spirituality are, I also feel that often times people have some unfortunate pre-conceived beliefs when religion is brought up early in the conversation of meeting new people that may not have grown up accustomed to that environment. Try to meet other Temple students by talking about other subjects like community service, your love of the city, attractions, restaurants, classes, etc…. and slowly phase in your relgious beliefs, views, and activities. It is typically a much better discussion later into the newfound friendship.
Finally, here is my opinion on the issue of homelessness in the city. As insensitive as you may feel at the time, I would under no circumstances ever give money to a street homeless individual. Yes, some will still smile at you, some will say nothing, and others may degrade you for doing such a thing. However, in my opinion, it is the right thing to do. A street homeless individual, will rely on that as a source of income for years and years and years when people continue to give them change or money. Your spare change could be used in a much more worthy manner by taking it once a month to an approved homeless shelter. Some of these street homeless have the ability and the resources available, to go to a shelter, have the ability to get cleaned up, and have the ability to get into programs that will help them get into affordable housing and go on job interviews. Nonetheless, they feel it would be easier to continue to rely on spare change from us passerby to survive. Don’t cave in…..just pass by. (At least in my opinion)
Awesome blog. Congratulations. Keep up the good work and enjoy Philadelphia.