Today we’d like to showcase our overnight staff member, Annesley!
Our overnight staff member, Annesley DeHaven, began to work at Hospitality House in April 2018 after a brief stint as a Solutions Specialist at Verizon. Annesley graduated in 2017 from Azusa Pacific University in California where she earned a BA in Philosophy.
Annesley grew up overseas in Germany, Korea, Taiwan, and England. She explains, “I think that growing up overseas provided me with a world perspective to help me see how a lack of privilege can unjustly marginalize people with few resources. The stark difference between opulence and poverty shocked me in a way that urged me to want to help those who want to help themselves, but simply do not have the funds and/or connections. This underlying motivation for justice mentally prepared me for this job because I have personal reasons to want to push through the things that can be stressful or emotionally difficult.”
Annesley feels that Hospitality House is well organized, which fosters the staff’s ability to better help the clients. It is the small things that are encouraging or uplifting to Annesley. One client, in particular, dealt with extreme chronic pain and periodically went to the ER because her health issues were so severe. In spite of her health issues, this client always made an effort to do her chores and follow house rules without complaining. Knowing how difficult this was for her, Annesley was inspired to see the amount of effort the client was expending to work toward being in a better place in the future.
Annesley’s long-term goal is to earn a PhD in Philosophy. She hopes to share her passion with others one day by teaching philosophy at the collegiate level.
Annesley, we are so happy to have you at Hospitality House and appreciate the energy you have to share with the ladies!