"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta
I was reading the Chicago Tribune and came across this article about several homeless teens that, against the odds and life's circumstances, not only completed high school (some with honors!) but are also preparing for their 1st year in college!
I was touched on several levels. One, being a former homeless person myself, I know how difficult it is to focus on anything constructive let alone something so thought intensive as school. It's no small task finding courage to get out of bed (if you even have one), get dressed and deal with the trials and tribulations of daily work life; I'd imagine it's just as bad – or worse – for a high school student.
Second, how did the parents feel? Though the parents were portrayed as unsupportive we must remember that everyone deals with difficulty and challenging situations according to the level of emotional/spiritual intelligence they have in that moment. Am I condoning what they did? No. However, imagine what the outcome would have been if these same parents had access to parenting counseling or simply had been given positive examples of how to handle their child's "mistakes". Would things have been different?
Finally, I think about the reasons why each of them had to go through such hardships. I think about what they must have thought while tackling the challenges of being a homeless student and undoubtedly the subject of daily ridicule. How many times did they come close to giving up? I think about my own struggles during my three years of homelessness and those of my wife (she was homeless when we met).
I truly believe that those experiences sculpted us into better people. They exposed us to who our real friends were and taught us valuable lessons in compassion, humility and self worth. I'd bet my last dollar these students would admit the same.
So…to Nasia, Priscilla and Jeffery, I want to congratulate you on a job VERY well done and continued success to you as you persist in your efforts to rise above. You are all GREAT inspirations for our youth and adults alike.
Meditate on This: I will continue to press forward with the faith that my goals will be achieved in Divine time.
Have a PERFECT day!
Michael
My II Sense
(Tribune photo by Heather Charles / July 24, 2009)
