There’s a phrase we use at Tenderloin Housing Clinic: “How do you know what you know?” It’s something I often tell new hires or temps who are unsure about working in our environment.

Truth is, you don’t know what you’re capable of until you try. I’ve seen so many people walk in with hesitation—concerned about working in neighborhoods with real challenges, unsure about mental health or addiction issues, nervous they might not be able to “handle it.”

But when they get in the door, something shifts. They see the humanity. They find purpose. And often, they apply for permanent roles.

The same was true for me. I’ve made pivots, taken risks, failed hard, and found my way. If you're exploring your path and feeling unsure—just start. Your comfort zone isn’t always where the good stuff lives.