This week, our first ever Youth Voices intern cohort is concluding their internship with TLCBD. The program was made possible by a grant from Project Safe Neighborhoods, and over the past several weeks, it allowed five transitional-age youth an opportunity to learn about and engage with their neighborhood, and make their voices heard.
Read on to get to know one of our interns, Jessie Lin!
What is your relationship to the Tenderloin?
I’m a first generation Asian American—I was born and raised in the Tenderloin, first in Little Saigon, and later on closer to the SOMA border. I’ve always felt like I belonged to the Little Saigon community, and I still remember the countless times my Mom would stop on the street to chat with neighbors that she referred to as my “aunts” and “uncles.” Growing up, I also spent time at the Tenderloin Rec Center, where my brother was part of their afterschool program. I also spent a lot of time volunteering for Glide, preparing food for their Saturday lunch program.
What’s something you love about the neighborhood?
The community, especially in Little Saigon. Everyone is friendly with each other here. It’s pretty unique to be able to say hi to so many people on the street on any given day, and that’s really just the culture of the neighborhood.
What’s something you would like to improve for the neighborhood?
I’ve always wanted to address the homelessness in the Tenderloin, and find ways to provide shelter for people. I’m really grateful that my family was able to benefit from rent control and have an affordable place to live, but so many people don’t have that.
What was your experience like interning at TLCBD?
I really enjoyed my experience here. In the past, I haven’t really been able to talk to people about issues in the Tenderloin. Most of my friends are from outside the Tenderloin and they can’t really relate to it, but the people at TLCBD understand what’s great about the neighborhood.
This fall, Jessie will begin her sophomore year at the University of California, San Diego, where she is pursuing a major in cognitive science, specializing in design and interaction. She hopes to become a user experience designer, tackling projects like web design.
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