Empathizing with shelter needs: Reflections on a night out #NHHAW

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 

Preparing for a night out: Shelter needs become a reality. #NHHAW

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 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week approaches I begin to ponder what it would mean to be homeless. I walk through my apartment and I take note of all the things I depend on in order for me to be successful. I begin to realize how much my success depends on my ability to be prepared for certain events like job interviews, and classes. Without a bathroom, where would I shower? How could I be clean and presentable for events such as these without a dependable shower? I then contemplate which pocket I would elect to be my soap carrying pocket. I look at my alarm clock and recall an instance where I was late to class because the electricity got shut off at my apartment and I didn’t wake up for class. I am sure that would be late to every appointment without that clock. Then again, I doubt that I would want to sleep in at all if I was sleeping on a Heritage Park bench. After contemplating life without only a few of the things I take for granted every day, I begin to realize how difficult my life would become without a place to call my own. As I make this realization I think back to the times I felt no sorrow for a homeless man I saw in Austin, Texas. “Get a job, bum” is what I thought to myself. Looking back I didn’t realize just how difficult that may have been for that person. It is quite easy for me; sure, I have access to clean clothes, a computer to generate a resume on, and a kitchen I can cook food, all to ensure my success. Obviously I have taken these things for granted and undervalued the importance these basic necessities are to my life.

 ~ Spencer, MENtal Freedom

 Sign up to attend the night out, on November 16 7pm to November 17 at 7am by filling out this brief form (organizations and groups welcome!) http://tinyurl.com/hungerandhomeless. Attendees MUST be current Tarleton students and bring their ID. Everyone should bring a warm blanket (or rent a sleeping bag at Rec Services). 

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 

Hunger and Homelessness Night Out event

The following post is from Multicultural Ambassador and Bold member, X. Read more about these programs at www.tarleton.edu/diversity

The last few weeks have been exciting and long. Even though I am not excited about the cold weather that will come during the night out, I am excited about the experience. This event is really dear to me because I remember my granddad taking me around downtown Dallas and me seeing all the homeless people and wondering why they were homeless. I still remember the day when some MSL members and I were at the football game and we were wondering why people were sleeping in tents at the intramural fields. I thought it was social work because I had remembered a year before that they were doing homeless awareness. Then I had a GREAT idea! I suggested to MSL that we should do a camp out for hunger and homeless awareness and let’s just say they all thought my idea was stupid and there was a huge argument. Even though I was not a part of the Diversity and Inclusion idea/process the first year, it is great to see this actually happening and succeeding on our campus. I am also excited about the Hunger Games twist that Diana and I created for this year’s night out. I know it will be a fun time, if I have to die for it!!! J

~ X, Multicultural Ambassador and Bold member

Sign up to attend the night out, on November 16 7pm to November 17 at 7am by filling out this brief form (organizations and groups welcome!) http://tinyurl.com/hungerandhomeless. Attendees MUST be current Tarleton students and bring their ID. Everyone should bring a warm blanket (or rent a sleeping bag at Rec services for $2). 

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