Even though we have only been in Seattle for two weeks, it feels way longer than it actually is. The summer in Seattle has been so different from what most people had expected - mostly sunny days and mild weather. As an international student, it is my first time to live and work in a big city in the US (considering Durham is not quite a city), and I must say, it feels surreal.
Before this summer, it was hard for me to imagine that there would be a place that satisfies all my imaginations for a dream destination. Seattle is artistic with all kinds of museums and the coffee culture. It is livable, but at the same time, it is home to Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom and numerous businesses. And most importantly, being the only state that legalizes marijuana usage and one of the only four states in America that allow physician-assisted suicide, Washington is one of the most liberal states while Seattle is the best illustration of inclusivity. If we say the purpose of travelling is to find a place that suits you best, then Seattle would be the destination for everyone, because no matter who you are and what you do, Seattle is always ready to accommodate you.
I am lucky enough to work with Solid Ground, an anti-poverty non-profit that provides housing for the homeless. A big part of my job is multi-media storytelling. When I was taken to one of their houses at Sand Point (a previous naval station which is now turned into 94 housing units owned by Solid Ground in northeast Seattle), I was surprised to see how cozy yet vibrant the neighborhood was. In contrast with what I had imagined, the residents at Sand Point are friendly and easygoing. My boss, the head of the communications department, told me that the tenants may not be any less wealthy than we are, but the things they have gone through may be unimaginably tragic. A good portion of the tenants are single women who suffered from domestic violence, and after escaping from their family, they had nowhere to live. Through my interactions with them and by listening to their stories, I began to realize how many privileges I take for granted. They could have been as normal as I am, but an incident may have changed their entire life.
Every moment I work in front my computer reminds me of how lucky I am, and how much responsibility I carry. Every time I walk on the street I feel excited to see and meet the next person walking past me – I am ready for their stories.
Vera Zhang
Duke Student '16
Every moment I work in front my computer reminds me of how lucky I am, and how much responsibility I carry. Every time I walk on the street I feel excited to see and meet the next person walking past me – I am ready for their stories.
Vera Zhang
Duke Student '16