I have been volunteering regularly at La Comida since I was 13. My mom found out about it online and one day drove me there and told me to go be helpful. I started out serving tea, but over time have done pretty much every job – serving, sweeping, cleaning, stocking the kitchen, and more.
I have rich conversations with the diners at La Comida. Seniors may have more experience and perhaps look at themselves in a more honest way than younger folks do, but in the end they’re just people. When we talk, it’s best when we skip the platitudes and speak like old friends. I try to throw them oddball questions that draw out real answers. I asked a diner recently whether they ever tap danced. Another told me about their dream to play for the NFL. Over the years, I’ve known people who have passed away during my time volunteering for La Comida. It’s instructive because you see the aftermath of how people deal with a loved one being gone. It’s also striking how someone’s life – which is too chaotic to be packaged up nicely – can be interpreted as a simple, clean story.
Based on my experience, I say don’t jump to conclusions about people. Instead think about who they really are and why they are the way they are.
