Changing Perspective: Slowing Down to See the Bigger Picture

There are thousands of advocacy stories I could tell, but one that really was most impactful on my life came very early in my career from my boss. I was maybe 20 years old and had completed an internship in Washington working for my local congressman. He had then hired me part time back in his district while I was going to college at the same time. I had been told that part of my job was essentially to keep him on time and on schedule.

One cold and rainy winter day, he visited the local district office where I was to take him around town. First, he wanted to go across the street to the courthouse and shake hands with local officials and employees. As we were leaving the courthouse to head to his next appointment, I realized my boss was not with me. He had stopped to talk with a man who was laying on one of the benches outside of the courthouses. My boss would shake hands with everyone, so I waited and waited while they continued to chat. Finally, I went over saying, “We’ve got to go now, it’s time for our appointment,” but I was quickly brushed off by my boss, telling me that he would be done in just a few minutes.

Finally, they finished with their talk, and then I heard the full story. My boss had learned he was a veteran, but he didn’t have a home nor medical care coverage. We were able to connect him with many resources. Eventually, we were able to get him housing and medical care coverage he desperately needed. This man’s life was turned around from a single handshake.

I had let my “job” get in the way of what the job really is: representing people, ALL people.