Mary Dash

Mary Dash shared joyful memories of fishing trips in South Carolina, recounting a childhood moment when her fear of crossing a log over a pond led her mother to come back and help her. That day ended with her catching about six fish—mainly catfish and croakers. She also remembered another special day when a woman her mother worked for let her fish in a private pond, where she caught a dozen catfish. Mary described the satisfaction of cleaning and cooking her catch, calling it one of the happiest days of her life. Now older, she expressed her hope to go on another fishing trip soon and praised Ms. Mack, the Model Cities center director, for her support and warmth. Mary also celebrated Sue, the Model Cities instructor for their nutrition class, for her dedication, humor, and patience—even when the participants visit her office a little too often. Mary’s story reflected gratitude, connection, and the comfort of returning to spaces and people that feel like home.