I caught up with Trudy Goodwin in the midst of Wednesday morning havoc -- the new issue comes out each Wednesday -- and she was ecstatic. Between interviewing for this column and helping to unload papers from the truck, her morning was plenty busy, but we managed to make enough time to sit down for an interview. This being my first Vendor of the Week column, I was equally excited to begin by talking with such a wonderful, energetic person.
Trudy grew up in Seattle in the Central District, 27th Ave. and Cherry St. A middle child of 11, she is now 50 years old and has two daughters. She went to college at Western Washington University, where she studied journalism and was a cheerleader. "I like writing, reading, and creating language" she says, " I especially like writing technical stuff." When I asked her to list three words that she would use to describe herself, her answers certainly reflected her craft and experience: "industrious," "personable," and "college-graduate."
After graduating college, Trudy worked for the city with the Seattle Conservation Corps, a program that provides homeless adults with work opportunities and job training, and carries out projects ranging from watershed improvement and forest restoration to improving parks in low-income neighborhoods throughout Seattle. She did that for 15-16 years, and now she sells Real Change.
When asked about her favorite aspect of selling the paper, her answer is instantaneous: "Talking to the people. I really appreciate my customers, and I'm glad that they buy papers from me. It helps me out."
"Anything else?" I ask. "Yeah. I want to give a shout out to my mother and my family."
You can find Trudy atSeneca St & 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98101.