Tracie was somewhat nervous about Kaylin’s interview. During Charley’s funeral and the gatherings afterwards, Kaylin seemed reluctant to engage with others. Tracie wasn’t sure whether this was just shyness or something was troubling her.
Tracie: I generally start these interviews by asking about the value shaping event that started your cause journey. Would you like to start there? Or do you have something else you want to share?
Kaylin: Thanks for asking. This reunion has been one of great memories but also one of sadness. Making a difference is not something I ever envisioned for myself. I still struggle in social situations.
Tracie: I understand. If it’s not too hard to talk about, could you share with me your story about Freddie’s?
Kaylin: I’ll try. It’s still pretty raw in my consciousness. Freddie’s was our community hangout. It was an old run down building. Freddie served hotdogs and chili. That was the whole menu. But when you walked into Freddie’s, you saw the community. Young and old gathering together. On the wall were pictures of everyone in the community, along with celebrities who came to visit. Joe DiMaggio was a regular visitor. It was a tradition in our community that one of the first things that a newly-wed couple would do was to sign the wall using a “wedding pen” Freddie gave them as a present.
Then one day, developers came in and tore down Freddie’s. There was no advance notice, it was just destroyed. That led to a fatal change for our community. We went from a mixed-race, mixed-heritage blend of working class people to a desert enclave for the wealthy.
Tracie: Thanks for sharing. I can tell by the tears in your eyes and your halting voice that this is still tough to talk about. You mentioned your shyness. How did that affect your difference making ability?
Kaylin: I was worried about that, but I think it has been a strength.
Tracie: How so?
Kaylin: I think people see me as being very genuine. When I share my story, the emotions are there, and I guess that makes others want to help. Charley used to tell us that making a difference is not a genetic trait. I guess I’m proof of that.
Tracie: You’ve convinced me. Your story is so powerful that I hope it inspires others who suffer from shyness to believe they can make a difference. Thank you so much. You have helped me believe in myself.
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“The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.” – Lady Bird Johnson