My new clinic position began at Salvation Army. It is located in a poorer part of the city where many of the people have problems with drugs and such. After my interview I was feeling really excited about volunteering for this organization. Hopefully I can make a difference and learn along the way. I left the office and walked to the metro, taking in the neighborhoods sights and sounds. I did not feel unsafe walking through this area, I only felt a little out of place as every passer by took notice of me which is to be expected because I look different and it could happen to any stranger living in a foreign country. I arrived at the metro and proceeded to descend, where I found a nice place to stand and wait for my train. I saw a man approaching me who looked messed up and confused. He was coming straight for me, weaving in and out of the crowd. I kept a periphery eye on him to see exactly where he was going to land. He stopped about 5 feet away and just stood there staring at me. It was uncomfortable and I felt bad inside because I wanted to turn to him and listen to what he had to say but I was nervous so I ignored him. As I ignored him it was tearing me up inside. I was thinking that this man is probably ignored or brushed off most of the time. I wanted to acknowledge him but I did not and I felt terrible about my actions. The train came and I moved towards the front, entrance doors of the car thinking that I had moved too fast for him to follow me. What I did not know is that he entered the same passenger car but at the other end. I settled in, wrapped my hand around the metal bar above my head for stability and waited for the train to move ahead. Out of nowhere I heard a man screaming, screaming, screaming at the top of his lungs "hablame guerita, hablame!" which translates to "talk to me white girl, talk to me!". He did not stop. He continued screaming it over and over again. Due to the fact that I was the only white girl in this particular car everyone knew he was screaming at me. I did not know how to react. Then the man began pushing his way through the crowd towards me as he continued screaming. Just as he was within reaching distance of me the doors to the train opened and I exited. He was right behind me and I turned to him and said "I am sorry but I do not want to talk to you now, and I hope you are ok. Enough!". I turned and walked away feeling guilty. He did not let up and was right behind me as I walked toward my next train. A man that was also on the train watching what had passed gently touched my arm and asked if he could escort me to my transfer. He told me that if his wife or daughter were in the same situation he would hope that someone would assist them. I welcomed the idea. He was very polite and did not ask me any personal questions, in fact he said very little to me. While he waited for me to board my next train he physically and verbally stopped the screaming guy from entering the same train with me. I am very grateful for his kindness. Now it is my turn to return the favor to a stranger...hopefully tomorrow!
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