This week at common art we had another staff member leave us. This was Executive Director Amanda Grant-Rose’s last week. On Wednesday at a big celebration in her honor many of our community members gave speeches and goodbyes. It was wonderful to hear everybody share stories about what an impact Amanda had on their lives over the seven years she worked here. This experience made me think more deeply about how we can influence each other’s lives and my own role here at common art. Two weeks prior we had lost our barista. I spoke a little bit in my previous blog post about the effect this loss has on the community. Both he and Amanda played big rolls in the lives of our community for the years they were here.
Thinking about this, I begin to wonder about my own impact as someone who will only be able to be here for one year. While it was so wonderful to hear about all the amazing things Amanda did for this community, I think that sometimes when we see somebody who is so great and did so much, it can make us wonder how we could ever have that kind of effect. I want, however, to change my thinking around this. Because with Amanda and our lovely barista I see so much in the little things: a small hug, bringing someone’s coffee, being there to listen. These small things, which we can all do every day, build to such a big contribution. What can I do each day I am at common art to make a difference? I can be present. I can listen. I can lend my support and my empathy. I can share laughs and jokes. These things may not be as big as the years of service Amanda gave, but they can still make a difference. I know that I can think of little things people have said or done for me, which they may have thought nothing of, but which I still remember to this day. I want to give those moments. And it isn’t planning for them that makes them happen but going into each day loving others and genuinely caring for them that brings these moments about naturally. So, I leave this week not feeling discouraged by how short my time here is, but encouraged by my ability to bring about these moments of connection through a brief conversation, a simple “how are you?” or even just sitting, listening, and not needing to say a word.
— Marielle Carpentier