Greater Washington Community Reflective Essay

When I first came to the Greater Washington Community, I felt shocked at what I had seen. Such a poor and harsh community only a 10 minute drive from Santa Clara University. It seemed like a sharp contrast from Santa Clara’s safe and happy environment. Three things stood out in my mind from my first visit to the Greater Washington Community. The first problem is the gang violence. The second is prostitution. To this day I am still appalled that Silicon Valley, with its billions of dollars in assets are unable to solve issues such these.

My perception of the community has not changed, but instead has only been made even clear. Before the visit to the community, I did not know anyone who lived in communities such as those. When the mothers came to class and shared with us their stories. I began to get a better picture of the people closest to the community. I began to understand the struggles that they had to go through to enter the United States. Furthermore, I also learned about the concerns that they have for their community in San Jose. One of the mothers, Liz, said that gang violence has calmed down recently. Despite that, gang violence is still a major issue. One of the mothers said that there was this one time when gang members entered a building and vandalized everything. What is also shocking is that one of the three mothers had been assaulted at one point. Gang violence in unacceptable and …show more content…
I remember one of the mothers stating that human trafficking is prevalent in Monterey Road. Prostitution is also unsightly, especially for children. Parents are concerned and I understand that. Children who are exposed to prostitution might view prostitution and human trafficking as an easy way to make money and become involved in it. During my first visit, it did not occur to me any significant downsides to prostitution in the community. It was only later that I realized the repercussions it could