By Kelsey Marasigan

In my weekly one-on-one meetings with my supervisor, the question of professional development often arises. Usually, I’d offer a standard answer, something about improving my Excel skills or taking a project management course. Honestly, I hadn’t given it much serious thought. That is, until I said “yes” to a deployment opportunity to help with the disaster response operation for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. It was then I realized the Red Cross offers growth opportunities far beyond what I could imagine – opportunities for profound personal and professional development.

This was my first deployment, so I really didn’t know what to expect. I’d heard stories from other Red Crossers about their deployment experiences – tales of exhaustion, but also of immense reward. I’d always listened, but it was just that: listening. I hadn’t truly understood. Being on the ground, in a Red Cross shelter, talking with the residents and the
volunteers, well, that’s when the gravity of the situation hit home. I was part of the Disaster Event-Based Volunteer (DEBV) Team, stationed at the Pasadena Red Cross Shelter, where I managed the Staff Services desk, checking DEBVs in and out for their shifts.

Over my two-week deployment, I spent 96 hours in that shelter. 96 hours of conversations with volunteers, shelter staff, and, most importantly, the residents. 96 hours of hearing their stories, learning about their experiences with the Red Cross and understanding what brought them to the shelter. My experience was inextricably linked to theirs. Two individuals, in particular, stand out in my memory.

There was Thomas, a DEBV who grew up in Altadena – one of the neighborhoods destroyed by the fires. He was fortunate; his family’s home was spared. I spent four hours with Thomas during his shift. He spoke of his elementary school, now gone. He talked about the Altadena community center where he spent his summers as a child, also lost to the flames. He told me about his friends who had lost everything and were struggling to rebuild. As he spoke, I could hear the pain in his voice, see the survivor’s guilt etched on his face. “I’ve given so much of my own money to so many of my friends,” he confessed, “but it just doesn’t feel like enough.” He was there, working the 6:00 AM shift with me, because he felt compelled to do more.

Then there was the shelter resident whose name I never got, preparing to leave the shelter and transition to the next phase of recovery. He paused at my station while waiting for his wife and a shelter worker to gather their belongings. “Good morning,” I greeted him, expecting the usual brief exchange. His response was anything but usual. “I’m doing wonderful,” he said, “thanks to the Red Cross.” He continued, “I have never, in my life, seen so much humanity and kindness in one place. My wife and I lost our home – we were lost, completely lost. We had nowhere to go. We’ve been here since Day 1, and every single day, the Red Cross has helped us in one way or another. I used to believe the world was no good anymore, but the Red Cross proved me wrong. I will be eternally grateful for the help they’ve given us, to get back on our feet. So, thank you.” I’ve paraphrased much of our conversation, but that last sentence? That was a direct quote. And it’s a quote that will likely stay with me forever.

My deployment gave me a completely new perspective on the work of the Red Cross. I’ve always been proud to work for an organization whose mission is, first and foremost, to help people in need. But seeing that mission in action, witnessing its impact firsthand, brought a deeper understanding of its importance. It wasn’t just about the logistics of providing shelter and food; it was about the human connection, the empathy, the unwavering support offered during a time of unimaginable loss. It was about restoring hope, one conversation, one act of kindness, at a time. And it was a powerful reminder that even in the face of devastation, humanity and compassion can still be found. This experience wasn’t just professional development; it was a personal transformation. It solidified my commitment to the Red Cross and its mission, and it showed me the true meaning of service.