Goal

My goal for this year's campaign is to become conversant in Spanish. I took Spanish classes in school for many years, but never bothered to use what I learned. I recently returned from a trip to Colombia and had the opportunity to use my dormant skills for the first time since graduating from high school.

If you asked me the level of my Spanish skills, I would have told you could speak at the level of a three year old. But upon trying to converse with my friend's three year old nephew, I realized that I needed to downgrade my assessment of myself. In fairness, this pesky three year old, Martin (pictured here), must certainly be in the top percentile in terms of language skills for three year olds.

By the end of the year, I hope to be able to hold meaningful conversations with three year olds across Latin America.

I chose this goal because

I've always had a nagging guilt for allowing my language skills to languish. And everyone who knows me knows I function primarily on guilt. And gummy bears.

Also, it will make my abuelita very happy.

I'm helping because

It is very easy to become inured to homelessness in an urban area. It tends to make one forget the humanity of each individual. I am the first to admit my guilt in this respect.

ATC is a fantastic organization meeting a need that often slips through the cracks. People pay lip service to the issue of homeless in San Francisco and elsewhere. These guys are doing something about it.