The following post is from MENtal
Freedom member Spencer. Read more about MENtal Freedom and other
Diversity & Inclusion programs at www.tarleton.edu/diversity
As the Night Out began I had not yet began to realize what
the night would have in store for me. I spent the night working and
participating in activities in order to build up enough tickets to purchase
food and drink items. After the day I had gone through I was exhausted. I had
been on my feet all day participating in many different events that were being
held on campus. The thought of sleep soothed me and I looked forward to the
moment I could close my eyes. However that moment came and went and I never did
find that soothing rest I was so looking forward to. It wasn’t until I laid
down on the ground that things began to become real. Unfortunately because of
where I decided to leave my blanket and pillow, they were significantly wet
with moisture. Additionally the dew on the grass seeped through my blanket
adding to my discomfort. Eventually I went in search of a cardboard box to put
under me in hopes that it would keep the water from seeping into my
blanket. Despite the large amount of
boxes that were made available they had all been claimed by others sharing my
dilemma. Eventually I began to ponder how difficult it must be to find boxes in
the real world. Laying there I noticed my inability to control the noise and
light levels around me and I longed for a dark bedroom with a closed door.
Again I made the connection that homeless people must put up with unwanted
external stimuli simply because they have no other option.
Upon
waking the first thing I thought of was how I would go about my morning if I
truly had nowhere to go. I couldn’t fathom waking up after an uncomfortable,
cold nights sleep and continuing the struggle for survival. I couldn’t imagine
having to walk across town in search of a job, and certainly was in no
condition to be going through an interview process. I couldn’t have helped
myself if I wanted to. It really made me realize just how difficult it would be
to be homeless and taught me to have more compassion towards those that are in
that situation. After this experience I will be less quick to judge the
homeless, and act more quickly to help them, help themselves.
~ Spencer, MENtal Freedom
Help those who face hunger and shelter needs in our society. Donate boxed or canned food items all this week in TSC 21.
We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog: http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/
You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/
Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu
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