from fine dining to skid row

i signed up for the family law clinic this semester.  its a pepperdine program at the union rescue mission.  today was my first day.  its hard to prepare for a trip to skid row.  there are a lot of perceptions and ideas of what one might find there.  needless to say i was nervous.

but then i realized i had been there before.  and it wasn't so long ago.  three months ago i flew back to la for some interviews with high-powered, fast-moving law firms.  turns out, these firms are DOWN THE STREET from skid row.  as i was driving down san pedro street (at the intersection the mission is at) i literally could see the front of the buildings i had been in.  three months ago i was surrounded by name brand suits and swanky offices being wined and dined at an expensive sushi restaurant.

there was no sushi today.

instead, three blocks away i was interviewing people who had drug problems, had been in jail, and needed free legal help.  what a trip!  when i arrived at the mission there underground parking lot was closed.  i had to park at the corner lot (literally 100 feet from the front door of the mission) and have a security escort to the mission's front door.  sheesh.  

but, i don't know if i would trade situations.  i think i like being at the mission.  i feel like i'm helping real people with crazy problems.  my pathetic free help actually makes a difference in their lives.  i thought i would have to wait another 1 1/2 years to see how the law is practically applied.  but now, every thursday i get to help people that truly appreciate me and my time and the fact that i offer them water.