It is a unique time to be a college student. With the worst economy in decades, a commitment to continue America's involvement in two wars, and mounting global warming and education crises, the problems facing this country seem to be increasing; yet at the same time, like many of my peers, I am motivated to get involved and solve these problems. Barack Obama's presidential campaign made quite an impact on me. I was greatly inspired by his message of public service and consequently got involved with an organization called LIFT. I wanted to embrace what being a member of a community means - learning about the issues facing your community members and doing what you can to help.

LIFT is a growing movement to combat poverty and expand opportunity to all in the United States. At LIFT, college students work one-on-one with low-income individuals to help the clients find jobs, secure safe and stable housing, make ends meet through tax credits and public benefits (welfare, food stamps), and get access to health care. Despite the wealth of the U.S., domestic poverty is still a huge problem in this country. Currently 40 million Americans – one in eight individuals – live below the poverty line. Due to the current economy, these numbers are increasing.

Before getting involved with LIFT, I never knew these people personally. But now, every Wednesday, I go into the office and am deeply affected by their stories. One of my clients, Donna, who was pregnant, came into the office after separating from her husband and becoming homeless. Donna, along with her two young sons, was living with a rotation of family members and friends. While Donna could afford to pay the monthly rent, she could not manage to pay the first, last, and security deposit. I worked with Donna to find rental assistance and subsequently find a safe and stable apartment. Donna is just one of the hundreds of individuals the Somerville LIFT office has helped this year.

My involvement with LIFT has changed my view on poverty. I used to be able to rationalize it – poor people did something to deserve it, they made bad decisions, they aren’t trying hard enough to get a job. I had these views because I never had relationships with people in these situations. Now, however, I know that is not the case. These people are trying their hardest to escape poverty and its associated issues – homelessness, hunger, illiteracy, lack of health care – but they face many obstacles.

I am thankful for the education my clients have given me on these issues. My time at LIFT has confirmed my interest in going into public service. Though I do not know what exactly I want to do, I do know that I want to help improve the lives of the millions of families who struggle with domestic poverty.The problems facing our country do scare me, and I am concerned about our future. LIFT, though, is my way of doing something about it. But LIFT cannot operate without the support of generous individuals. I share as a way for you to get to know what I have been doing this year. If you feel compelled to support LIFT, make a donation. I would really appreciate it.