Through Our Doors

The Darst Center is in the business of bringing people together (among other things). We provide opportunities to learn about other people, about the world around us, and about ourselves as well. None of this would matter, however, if we didn't have anyone to provide it for. Every year literally hundreds of high school and college students grace us with their presence. These young people have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I've learned that teenagers can be some of the most insightful people I've met. I've learned that everyone has a story, but we aren't often gifted with the opportunity to hear it until we've proven our ability to guard something so special. I've also learned that my patience is often too thin.

In all this, the thing I’m most grateful for is the ability to work side-by-side young, impassioned people who are excited about making a difference in people’s lives (including their own). The possibility of a better world is what makes me excited when I’m hopeful and gives me hope when I’m hopeless. It’s for this reason that I am on fire when I finish an Urban Immersion. So, thank you to everyone who has come through our doors. It’s for you that we do this work; it’s because of you that we do this work; and it is with you that this work continues.