Local teen called an ‘angel’ for her work with seniors
October 25, 2011
By Christopher Huber
Sammamish resident Smrithi Sukumar wasn’t sure what to think about working with senior citizens before she started her summer internship with Sammamish nonprofit Faith in Action.
She was skeptical her seemingly minimal efforts and tasks would not matter much.
Smrithi Sukumar, a junior at International Community School, poses with the “Jill’s Angel Award,” which Teens in Public Service gave her for her work with Sammamish-based organization Faith in Action (now Eastside Friends of Seniors). Photo by Christopher Huber
But one experience at a woman’s home during her roughly six-week stint changed her mind about the significance of helping her elders with the little things.
“I had no idea that by simply talking to her about her life I had brightened her day so much,” Smrithi said in an article after her internship. “This incident made me realize how important you can make someone feel by taking the time to listen to them.”
Upon finishing her work with the organization, now called Eastside Friends of Seniors, the junior at International Community School received an award from Teens in Public Service. The youth community service placement organization gave her the “Jill’s Angel Award,” which recognizes “extraordinary compassion and understanding of working with and caring for the elderly.”
“When they called my name, I was thrilled,” Smrithi said.
Smrithi’s mother, Padma Sukumar, said she was a little concerned at first about her daughter going into strangers’ houses, even if it was to help.
But Faith in Action sent someone with her initially to get used to it. After being on the job for a few days, Padma said Smrithi would come home confident and excited about her time spent with Sammamish seniors.
She would help them with simple tasks or just hang out and interview them to learn about their life stories, Smrithi said.
“It opened my eyes to the smaller things you can do to help others,” she said. “At first I was apprehensive, but I was really intrigued by how interesting they are. I was happily surprised at how excited they were to talk to me.”
In addition to visiting with debilitated or lonely seniors, Smrithi helped in the organization’s office.
She worked on the database and wrote reports or letters to prospective donors, she said.
“She was happy when she came home,” said Padma. “I think this was a fantastic experience for her.”
Smrithi is also involved in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and Asha, an organization that works to educate children in India. She also volunteers at the Kids Quest Children’s Museum in Bellevue.
Smrithi was one of 57 teens in Washington selected to be placed in internship positions with various organizations in the area.
Approximately 700 youth applied for the program and 400 interviewed, Padma and Smrithi said.
Smrithi said she gained an appreciation for how easy it is to help people.
“It’s a different side of my community I haven’t seen before,” she said. “Every little thing you do adds up.”
Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com.
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