IDEA Corps Intern: Destiny Shanklin

My name is Destiny Shanklin. I attend Community United Methodist Church and am a senior at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Pursuing a degree in forensic science, I am passionate about the field and eager to learn more. Being in this field allows me to assist in improving public safety by helping to catch those who commit crimes. It also allows me to support victims and their families through techniques such as DNA sequencing and fingerprint analysis. I have always been interested in the intersection of science and justice, and forensic science provides the perfect opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way. 

I am thrilled to be a part of the United Methodist Church IDEA internship program and work with my placement, Capital Hill United Methodist Church. There are many things to do at my placement, but I was most recently assigned to work on a volunteer orientation for the morning food ministry. There are many things to do at my placement, but I was most recently assigned to work on a volunteer orientation for the morning food ministry. My placement also works with migrants by providing them with food, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

While there is no apparent direct correlation between my major and what I'm doing at my placement, it is very important for those who may be working in labs to go out and meet the people they are trying to help. Oftentimes, people in my career field don't see the people in their community until a tragedy occurs. You see the worst of the worst and the most negative of situations, and going out and meeting these individuals before a crime is committed shows you why you're doing it and whom it benefits.

By building relationships with the community, scientists and researchers can better understand the needs and concerns of the people they are working to help. This can lead to more effective and targeted research and greater trust and cooperation between researchers and the community. Additionally, getting out into the community can help humanize scientists' work, making it more relatable and accessible to the general public. By showing people how their work is making a difference in real people's lives, scientists can inspire greater support for their research and help build a stronger sense of community around scientific progress.

Building these connections between researchers and the communities they serve is essential for creating a more equitable and just society where science is seen as a tool for positive change rather than an abstract pursuit disconnected from people's everyday lives. 

Homelessness is a justice issue as well as a social problem. Most of the time, those with mental illnesses who lack homes or are turned away due to their appearance are looking for a peaceful, secure place to sleep at night. They have a little bit of mail living in their car, and they're looking for work, but nobody wants to hire them because they don't have the right clothes for the interview. This traps them in an endless cycle that could be easily broken if someone takes the time to be a little more kind to them.

A man named Rob and taught me a new word, personalism. This word came about when discussing the morning food ministry's volunteer orientation and the program's core values. Rob said that personalism means that each of us has a responsibility to our neighbor and that responsibility is to help them when they need it. He explained that personalism is not just about giving handouts or charity;  it's about treating others with dignity and respect. It's about recognizing that everyone has something to offer and that we all have a role in creating a better world.

As I listened to Rob speak, I couldn't help but think about the countless individuals caught in the cycle of poverty and how a little bit of kindness could go a long way in breaking that cycle. Personalism is not just a word; it's a way of life, and if we all took the time to practice it, we could make a real difference in the lives of those around us. So let's take responsibility for our neighbors and show them kindness whenever possible.

I don't feel like I learned anything new about myself this week at my placement; more so, it confirmed things that I already knew: that people are a product of whatever their situation is, and the environment in which those individuals live is a result of those people acting to survive in the situations that they're in. For example, if you're in an area with a lot of crime, stop and think about why the crime is happening. It's all not just happening for no reason; some people who may be stealing to get food or clothes to provide for their families because they have exhausted all other options.

I believe God's presence is constant and unwavering; you just need to take the time and feel His presence. Our faith in God is not based on what we see or feel but on our unwavering belief in His existence and love for us.

God's presence is not limited by our ability to perceive it. He is always there, guiding me and providing me with strength and comfort, even when unaware of His presence. Our faith in Him sustains us and gives us the courage to face life's challenges. It is through our trust in God that we can find peace and purpose in our lives.

Ultimately, our relationship with God is not based on our emotions or ability to sense His presence. It is based on our faith in Him and our willingness to trust in His plan for our lives. While we may not always feel His presence, I take comfort in the knowledge that He is always with us, guiding us and loving us unconditionally.

In my community placement, economic privilege is distributed unevenly. Some individuals have accumulated more wealth and resources than others. This significantly impacts those with less, as they struggle to access necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare. On the other hand, those who have accumulated wealth may have access to more opportunities and resources, allowing them to further their education and career prospects.It is a great privilege not to worry about your next meal or whether or not you have a safe place to sleep. 

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology that describes the five basic needs humans require for personal growth and development. These needs include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. However, economic privilege can significantly affect an individual's ability to meet these needs. Economically privileged people may have easier access to resources that fulfill these needs. At the same time, economically disadvantaged people may struggle to meet even their most basic physiological needs. This can create a cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity that cannot be easy to overcome.

If abundance existed for all, especially those lacking economic options or privilege, it would significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals in my community placement. Access to necessities and resources would be more equitable, allowing everyone a fair chance at success regardless of their economic background.

Ode to Kindness 

oh kindness, you cost nothing but a smile 
you are the balm to every wound. 
You are the sun and moon
polarizing you draw me in

Oh, kindness, you are the key 
you cherish every soul and teach us to see
Let us embrace kindness each day
In your presence, in bliss we stay 

Ode to kindness, may you forever endure
We'll create a world of love, so pure
With your grace, all are blessed 
An anthem of compassion we profess

God is present in every tear, laugh, and ray of sunshine in every bird song. He is there. He is there in every raindrop nourishing our souls in mind, and he is here moving in our mist and filling every heart with his presence. He’s there in every fluff of popular cotton as it dances across the breeze, reminding us of his gentle touch. God's presence can be felt in the smallest moments, in the tiniest details of our lives. 

He is the thread that weaves through the fabric of our existence, connecting us all in a divine tapestry. In every whisper of the wind and every rustle of leaves, we can hear his voice calling out to us, guiding us toward love and compassion. 

God's presence is not confined to grand gestures or monumental events; it is found in the ordinary, the mundane, and the everyday. He is there, always, patiently waiting for us to open our hearts and recognize his divine presence in every aspect of our lives.

My placement works with the migrants being bussed from Texas and Arizona to DC. This is very much a political issue. The governor of the states is taking these migrants, misleading with, and using them as political pon to further the agenda.

The people coming in have their personal belongings taken, such as medication, modifying documents(passports, etc...), and religious items. 

They are told to leave behind their items and get in line by border control.

Hidetaka Hirota, associate professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley, writes (https://www.washingtonpost.com/made-by-history/2022/08/16/disturbing-precedent-busing-migrants-other-states/) in the Washington Post that the goal is to “embarrass pro-immigration politicians and create the appearance of chaos to justify cruel policies.”  and union president of the National Border Patrol Council, claim (https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/politics/2022/04/28/biden-accused-keeping-borders-open-win-elections-democrats/9576196002/)ed that Democrats (https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/politics/2022/04/28/biden-accused-keeping-borders-open-win-elections-democrats/9576196002/) were going to lift title 42 “to change the demographics of the electorate.”

Depending on who you ask, you could get many different stories about what is happening. Some people in Texas are claiming that the migrants are illegal immigrants who are trashing the border and leaving all of their personal belongings. Then you have activists at the border showing photos of poor control, telling individuals who come here to seek asylum to drop their belongings and get on the bus. “ Officially” are allowed to keep their belongings, and they will travel with them if it is not considered contraband, but so many arrive with nothing.

How can anyone say this is not a political? They are dropping people off in front of the vice president’s house, just leaving them, and no one is notified when they are coming.

It is despicable how these people are being treated, and they should not be left to be pons in a political game. They are actual, living, thinking, breathing people with families who are just coming here to have a better life.

Being in my placement reminded me that people can do the worst possible thing imaginable. Not everybody has good intentions, and some want to watch the world burn. They don’t care about anyone else, and they will lie still in cheat to achieve their goals. Sometimes I forget that not everyone wants to help others because I am mostly surrounded by individuals who would give someone the clothes off their back if they ask for it. I am so grateful that people were willing to step up and help the Migrants coming into DC.  

At my placement, Inclusion, diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism are crucial principles that hold significant importance. First and foremost, the church is meant to be a place where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel welcomed and included. Embracing diversity means recognizing and appreciating each person's unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive environment, they create a sense of belonging for everyone, promoting unity and acceptance among their members. Inclusion also allows for a broader representation of voices, fostering a richer understanding of faith and a more comprehensive engagement with different spiritual journeys.

My placement provides breakfast and fosters an environment where everyone is treated with respect and kindness. Additionally, they support migrants transported from Arizona and Texas by offering them clothing and essential personal care items. Their unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusion exemplifies the transformative power of faith, showcasing a genuine dedication to following the teachings of Jesus Christ by loving and serving all individuals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or background. 

Migrants often face unique challenges and vulnerabilities as they navigate new cultural, social, and economic environments. By embracing inclusion, they create an environment where migrants are valued, respected, and supported in their integration journey. By recognizing and appreciating the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skills that migrants bring, we can foster a sense of belonging and empower them to participate and contribute to their new communities fully. 

By promoting diversity and equity, they aim to ensure that the rights and opportunities of migrants are upheld. It involves challenging and dismantling barriers or discriminatory practices limiting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services. It means advocating for equal treatment and fair representation, recognizing that everyone deserves a chance to thrive and succeed regardless of their migration status.

Racism and xenophobia can create significant challenges and barriers to integration. I believe my placement is actively combating racism and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, creating an environment that celebrates diversity and rejects discrimination. They build bridges of understanding and solidarity between migrants and host communities,  fostering social cohesion and mutual respect.

My placement advocates by going out into the streets and protesting the mistreatment of the migrants coming into DC. This includes organizing peaceful demonstrations, raising awareness about their rights, and demanding fair treatment from the government and society. Additionally, we collaborate in mutual aid to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable individuals.  

Some of the values that my family hold are being kind be excepting of others, whether that be blood relatives, chosen family, or a stranger. These values don’t come from any particular person. It is a very consistent fact throughout both sides of my family. I  believe these values have made me a very excepting and open individual. These values aren’t things that have changed at all, and I believe they still align with who I am currently and what I want to be going forward. 

To make a difference, I will be willing to sacrifice my time, my money, and my peace of mind, because once you uncover the atrocities that exist in the world, it’s hard to go back and live in ignorance.

Dear God, I humbly come before you to offer my prayer. I ask for your guidance and strength in all aspects of my life. Please grant me the wisdom to make the right decisions, the courage to face challenges, and the patience to endure difficult times. May your love and grace surround me, and may I be a vessel of your peace and compassion. I pray for the well-being of my loved ones so that they may be protected and blessed. I also pray for the world to be filled with harmony and understanding. Thank you for your constant presence.Amen.

I envision our community maintaining its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. I hope to see the same great restaurants and churches we have now, maybe even some new additions to spice things up. It would be wonderful if we could also have more modern houses to accommodate the changing needs of our residents. I hope that more programs will be brought to the area to help. The unhoused population also thinks that maybe there will be some of the migrant families in the area attending Capitol Hill United Methodist Church,

Overall, I think the future of my placement in the surrounding area is a positive one. Though the physical appearance of the church or the neighborhood may be different, the inviting The feeling and atmosphere of acceptance in those places will not change.

The economic strengths of churches are multifaceted and contribute to the overall well-being of communities. Firstly, churches often serve as community engagement centers, hosting various events and activities that attract residents and visitors. My placement generates economic activity through increased foot traffic, supporting local businesses such as restaurants and shops. My placement has food ministries that have positive economic and social impacts. Economically, the food ministries provide a valuable service to the community by offering free meals to those in need.

Socially, the food ministries create a sense of community and belonging. They bring people from different backgrounds together, fostering connections and relationships. This helps to combat social isolation and loneliness, especially for vulnerable populations such as older people or individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the food ministries utilize volunteers from the community, providing an opportunity for individuals to give back and positively impact their neighborhood.

The economic and Social Principles of the United Methodist Church align with the economic strengths of churches. The United Methodist Church emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and justice, advocating for fair economic practices and equitable distribution of resources. This commitment is reflected in the church's support for initiatives that address poverty, inequality, and economic injustice. By prioritizing economic and social principles, the United Methodist Church seeks to create a society where all individuals have equal economic opportunities and resources. This aligns with the economic strengths of churches, as they actively contribute to the economic well-being of their communities and promote social and economic justice. The financial resources generated by CHUMC through member contributions and community engagement enable them to address economic and social issues within their communities actively.

My talent for connecting with people on a personal level has allowed me to build strong relationships with those who are unfamiliar to me. This welcoming approach has helped many individuals feel comfortable enough to open up to me. In my opinion, having a communicator who can connect on a personal level is crucial for communities to effectively convey their message to others and build a long-standing relationship.