Put Yourself In Their Shoes

I think that listening to other’s stories can be a real eye-opener. Everyone has had different challenges that they have had to face, so learning from their stories can be very beneficial. Even if you are not directly affected by the problems that exist in our society today, just know that someone out there is. There are so many things that are happening in our community today that I think need to be exposed. People should share their stories and experiences with others, if only just to inspire hope and change. It is unbelievable to me how some people can hear heart-wrenching stories told by those who have gone through tremendous suffering and not be affected by it. I am the kind of person that hears a story about someone going through some tough times and I am deeply moved. I feel empathy and compassion for them. I want to get up right then and there and do something about it and fight the injustice inflicted upon them. This probably has a lot to do with my own life story and the things that I have been through.
The most significant part of my life that constantly reminds me that I have an obligation to give back to the community is the time frame between fifteen and seventeen. When I was fifteen, I was just pretty much a stubborn, rebellious teenager. I didn’t get along with my mom or most of my family. My parents were suddenly and unexpectedly divorced after being married for 25 years and I began to act out. I got into quite a pickle when I found out I was pregnant. Needless to say, my mother was furious. She kicked me out and basically disowned me. My father was gone and I had no where to go. So I lived on the streets for six months, sleeping on benches and chairs. It was the most horrible experience of my life, but one of the most life-changing. I ended up re-enrolling myself in high school, graduating early and getting a scholarship to PVCC. I moved in with my friend, got a job at Fry’s and eventually got my own apartment. I know what it is like to be in the shoes of those people that we help. I have been there, done that and I only hope that I can be serve as some inspiration that there is a better life waiting up ahead. All you have to do is push through the hard times. Sometimes it feels like there is too much weight on your shoulders and that you can never make it through. Sometimes giving up seems like a good option, but it’s not. There is always hope.