We are all familiar with the virus that seems to be taking over the world and the internet. As an intern at Hospitality House I knew this would affect me in some way, but little did I know just how much the virus would change things.
My mother has always said I have had a mission heart. In other words, I love to serve others. Hospitality House was just that, they are here to serve others. So, when it came time for an internship I immediately applied and started the process. After the interview and what seemed like a never ending cycle of paperwork, there I was, my first day at Hospitality House.
I had fallen in love with being there. Even after a long hard day of classes and studying I found myself excited and energized to return and work. It was refreshing to be there. For me, this was more than an internship. Throughout my internship I found myself creating friends, not just coworkers. Hospitality House is truly an amazing place, it goes beyond just the services they offer. That extends to the staff, residents, and volunteers. Hospitality House works miracles.
About half way through my semester I headed home for spring break, some much needed time away from school and homework. News spread quickly about the virus. I waiting anxiously waiting to hear about what the rest of my semester would entail not only for classes but for Hospitality House as well. Then the emails started to flow in. With each passing day the emails came quicker and quicker.
There I was, reading about classes, sorority events, and graduation. Then came my internship. I saw that my faculty director reached out to students letting us know that if we wanted to continue on site it was our choice. I spoke with my mom to ensure that she wouldn't be worried if I returned to site. We both agreed the importance of being there for the residents and I returned back to Boone and back to my internship.
Soon after the virus struck and I saw the impact it was creating around Hospitality House, Todd reached out to the interns to help fill some temporary part time positions. I didn't hesitate to apply.
I don't believe that as a country, state, county, or town we have seen anything to this magnitude. I saw news articles circulating about the effects of the virus on elderly, those with preexisting conditions, and the stay at home order came out. Recently there was a post on Facebook from Hospitality House about this stay at home order, what about those who don't have a home to stay at? This phrase has stuck with me throughout the past few weeks.
As an organization we reached out to the community for help, donations, volunteers, anything. The community responded. Not that I had any doubt the community would help out, but I did not expect so much support. This just comes to show that even during a global pandemic that Boone, Hospitality House, local businesses, churches, families, and students are all coming together to support one another.
Maybe this world isn't as bad and selfish as people in power make it out to be. Maybe there is some good left in this world. Maybe people do want to help others in times of need. Maybe we aren't all greedy and only looking out for ourselves. While this virus has had a lot of negatives it did bring out the best in this community and has really let Hospitality House show everyone the miracles that they make happen each and every day. We couldn't do it without our staff, volunteers, and you. So thank you for helping us to change lives and for helping us to continue to provide for those in our community.
