The 2016 Shari Prestemon Social Justice Interns have graciously agreed to share their experiences with all of us. From time to time, we’ll be posting ‘journal entries’ from Sharell Shippen and Sheryl Garcia. Below is one of these entries.
Last Friday I had the pleasure of meeting Shari Prestemon. As you can imagine that was quite an honor as a Shari Prestemon Social Justice Intern.
I had learned many things about Shari and her personality before ever meeting her. I knew that she was kind, that she cared for and loved people. I knew of her commitment to social justice, her work ethic, and her personal touch and connection with those whom she supervised. Before her arrival the staff spoke about her with such admiration and respect and after meeting her it was apparent that she felt the same. During her visit she and her former staff exchanged updates and recounted memories of past experiences. She asked questions about their lives and how they were doing. It was exciting to watch and to listen as they talked and shared.
It was also a reminder that each day we are building our legacy. A reminder that with each interaction with a client, conversation with business partners, or lunch time conversation with a coworker we are adding to not just our professional but our personal legacies. For good or for bad we will be remembered not just by what we say but also what we do. Shari has done an incredible job of building a legacy that reflects the love of God. She has left her mark on Back Bay Mission and the Mississippi Coast. She worked hard during her time here and made sure that she and Back Bay Mission were known as allies of the community. At the mention of her name people smile and rejoice.
As a Shari Prestemon Intern, it is a pleasure to be associated with her and this wonderful organization.
