reaching the end

"A home of one's own is the want, the necessity of every human being, the one thing above all others longed for, worked for. Whether the humblest cottage or the proudest palace, a home of our own is the soul's dream of rest, the one hope that will not die until we have reached the very portals of the everlasting home." --Susan B. Anthony

I found the quote in some discarded files early in my term and turned it into a poster on my bulletin board. Through out this past year it has served as a reminder for why I am interested in pursuing programs and policies that help people get into stable, safe and affordable housing when my work environment has been less than supportive. Someday, I hope to be able to look back without getting caught up in the failed expectations of this job and instead see the accomplishments and growth of this past year and see it as a stepping stone toward a career of the sort of work i want to do, helping people improve their lives.

I am leaving that poster behind for the person who will take over my office next. Hopefully it will help her remember the good work that affordable housing organizations do when the particular circumstances and challenges threaten to cloud out the good.