ACE Reflections

As the end of college draws near, I begin to question what type of career I hope to pursue in the future. Where would I make the most impact, salary and efficient use of my skills? However, what struck me most about Kalea's story yesterday was not what she contributed to ACE but what ACE gave to her. Coming from very little formal education and few tangible skills, the organization provided her with a voice and the confidence to aspire to make meaningful change within the community. She proved able to utilize her knowledge of the local community to help others address their needs.

Another quality that struck me about Kalea was her emphasis on the grassroots approach to community building. While she did not posit an opinion of whether or not recent building developments in Roxbury were good or bad, her main concern was that the local people should have a venue to express themselves. I believe this attitude is what makes ACE so successful and long lasting. Not only does it transform the workers within the organization, but it seeks to aid rather than dictate the desires of the community as a whole.
-Tiffany