The Gift of Access
As I heave past the revolving doors and walk up the lobby, I notice seats filled with men and women, all of various ethnicities and from various social classes. They all wore the distinct restlessness of people waiting uncomfortably but trying not to appear so. It still surprises me; the sheer number of people who turn up for our volunteer counselling program on a daily basis. I walked purposefully toward the barriers beyond which stood the various offices where the counsellors would at this moment be preparing their files and notebooks, getting coffee and straightening up their appearances to receive the first client out of the sea of people waiting outside. Plastering a cordial but cool professional smile on my face, I met a few people's eyes as I approached the barriers. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out my pass and swiped it. Barriers opening, I walked into a different chapter of my story for the day. Access. What is access? It is the pass that lets one in where others are n...