Since last September, spanning over half a year, my colleagues and I, in our spare time, developed a data collection and tracking system for the charitable organization Code Tenderloin. This system has significantly assisted the organization by providing clear insights into who the aid recipients are, the nature of the help they have received, and their progress in life, thereby facilitating more effective fundraising.

This project is more than just a technical achievement; it has enriched my life experience. For a long time, I had lost the sense of mission I initially felt in the tech industry, feeling somewhat estranged from the noble goal of serving humanity. However, this charitable activity reminded me profoundly of how our professional skills can make a real contribution to society. Although the development process was similar to our regular work, our enthusiasm and dedication were entirely different. More importantly, this experience shattered my preconceptions about the outside world, showing me that while I felt constrained, the world is inherently open. Previously, the mention of the homeless evoked feelings of fear and alienation in me. Yet, upon direct interaction, I discovered that they, like us, are kind and humane individuals temporarily facing economic hardships.Participating in the Tenderloin Walking Tour allowed me to experience the homeless community up close. People in the streets greeted each other warmly and even sang together, evoking a sense of the village community and homecoming. In a small public space sandwiched between towering buildings, I saw people gardening, creating murals, and painting. This moved me deeply – regardless of circumstances, the pursuit of art and beauty remains constant. Our tour guide, once an elementary school teacher, became addicted to opioids due to an accidental medical condition. After losing her job and home, she received support and care from the community, eventually getting her life back on track and returning as a volunteer to give back. These experiences not only transformed her life but also profoundly touched mine.

从去年九月，历时超过半年，我和几位小伙伴在工作之余，为Code Tenderloin这个公益组织打造了一套数据收集和信息跟踪系统。这套系统为公益组织提供了明确的帮助，让他们能够清楚地掌握受助者的信息、所接受的帮助以及他们的生活进展，从而更有效地进行资金筹集。

这个项目不仅仅是一个技术成就，更让我有了更丰富的人生体验。很长一段时间，我在日常工作中已无法感受到最初投身科技行业的使命感，甚至感觉有些偏离为人类服务的美好目标。但在这次公益活动中，我又深切地感受到了我们的专业技能可以为社会带来实际的贡献。其实开发的技术流程与日常工作相似，但我们的热情和干劲却完全不一样。

更重要的是，这次经历帮我打破了自己对外界的成见，让我看到，束缚在自己心里，而整个世界，原本是开放的。以往提到无家可归者时，我会觉得他们是陌生而可怕的。但实际接触后，我发现他们和我们一样，都是善良、有血有肉的人类，只是暂时遭遇了经济等问题。参加Tenderloin Walking Tour让我直观感受了无家可归者社区。在街上，我看到人们彼此友好地打招呼，甚至一起唱歌，就像回到了小时候的村庄，有一种回家的感觉。在一个夹在高楼大厦间的狭小的公共空间里，有人种花、在墙上画彩绘，还有人在画画。那一刻我觉得很感动——无论处境如何，人们对艺术和美的追求总是相同的。我们的导游，原是一名小学老师，因病使用了成瘾性强的阿片类药物而成瘾。失去工作和家后，她在这个社区得到了帮助和关怀，最终重回生活轨道，并作为志愿者回馈社区。这些经历不仅仅改变了她的人生，也深刻触动了我。