On the things we all have in common

Posted at 1:47 PM on October 18, 2012 by Nate Minor

Comfort zones feel good. But getting outside of them can be even better — once you get past your original hesitation.

College student N.R. Mehlhoff recently got past his at a homeless shelter in Winona.

Listening to Mr. Mehlhoff's interview made me think of my own similar college assignment some years ago. I remember feeling awkward just being at a shelter in downtown St. Paul. But as soon as I found someone willing to talk and started asking questions, that started to melt away.

Our circumstances certainly were different, but you'd be surprised on how well a college kid and a weathered-looking, tired homeless man can relate on things like jobs, families and paying the bills. Some things, we all have in common.

Go ahead, ask someone about it.

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