Don't Just Stand There

There are moments when somebody needs help and nobody helps them. Most of the time it's sad to say that although nobody helped there were many who could have.

It upsets me when I hear things on the news that could have been prevented but were not simply because people do not want to deal with the hassle of getting involved. Yes, there are some instances when getting involved will only make matters worse. But there are also incidents in which people know deep down inside that they could have done something but still choose to look the other way.

This week I came across a story of a mother who had been brutally abused in front of several people and as she was being beaten in front of her 2-year-old son none of those people in the crowd stood up for her. Instead, they all took it upon themselves to pull out their cell phones and record the beating.

“I think it's messed up no one came to my rescue,” the victim, Catherine Ferreira, said. “We're supposed to set an example."

The only one that attempted to help Ferreira was her two-year old son Xzavion. As his mother was being attacked he kicked the suspect, 25-year-old Latia Harris, several times trying to get her to stop. 

How is it that a group of adult witnesses can easily stand there and do nothing while a child does all that he can to stop such an incident? He could have been severely injured but that did not stop him from doing all that he could to help his mother. You would think that someone would have stepped in the second they saw a child get involved, but that was not the case. Despite Xzavion's bright example of heroism, it was apparently not enough to bring forth an adult who could have stopped the beating. 

"He's only 2 years old. He didn't even know what to do and he did what he was supposed to do," said the victim's brother Tyeish Brittingham.

Apparently, the suspect had a short-temper because what set her off was minor comment that Ferreira made when joking with some of the employees about the McDonald's that Harris was working at. Still in her uniform Harris went after Ferreira who had gone to McDonald's to enjoy a cheeseburger with her son. 

“It's McDonald’s and I want a cheeseburger, hold the beating,” Ferreira joked after the incident.

Although she has kept her sense of humor, the incident has caused her to fear for her son. With Harris still out there hiding from the police Ferreira fears that the woman may find her and cause further harm. As Harris beat Ferreira, she also made threats about her and her son's life.

“It was disheartening to see a woman being beaten in front of her child,” said Salem Police Department Chief John Pelura. "Not only a lack of regard for human life but it says something about the general morality of people."

When she is caught, Latia Harris will be charged with aggravated assault and terroristic threats. Her bail is already set at $35,000 cash.

Although many of us, myself included, would have probably gave a piece of our mind about how the crowd reacted to the beating Ferreira did not appear to be too upset about it. In fact, she made it a point to address that the crowd's failure to take action did not make them heartless beings. 

In an interview with the New York Daily News Ferreira stated, "I really want to make this clear: I don’t want people to see them as monsters,” she stated in an interview with the New York Daily News. “They didn’t really see that this was more serious than just a fight.”

Still, I personally believe that whether it is a cat fight or an abusive beating someone should step in to break it up because someone can be sincerely injured. If you do not feel that you have the power to stop a fight think of 2-year-old Xzavion. Size is not an excuse. There is always something you can do. Even if it means you have to spray somebody with pepper spray or call the authorities, doing something is better than doing nothing.

First Day: Post 8

Recently, three Whittier College students conducted a research project on Whittier First Day for their Research Methods class. In their paper they discussed the different categories of homelessness, how First Day works with their residents, the diversity among the residents, and the impact relationships have on people. Their research provided an in-depth look into the lives of those who had once been literally homeless to those who are now contemporarily homeless and the alumni of the organization. By breaking down the social aspects of First Day residents and alumni, we are able to see how it is people become homeless and what it takes to escape being homeless.

Those who come across homelessness fall into two different categories, one is contemporary homelessness and the other is literal homelessness. According to the students’ research the people that fall within these two categories have a, “lack of healthy relationships or attainment of toxic relationships have impaired the reintegration process”.   

In their paper they defined those who are literally homeless as having no shelter whatsoever and end up walking around in the streets. People that are considered to be in contemporary homelessness are individuals who live in temporary shelters or halfway homes.

Those who are currently residents of First Day are considered to be contemporarily homeless because although they are no longer on the streets the shelter they are being offered is only temporary. Before arriving at First Day many of the residents were literally homeless and faced the isolation of the streets. At First Day residency may only be temporary, but the organization offers services to assist the residents in finding a job and a permanent home before they leave. 

In the period of which they lived on the streets many of the residents said that they felt as if they were not as valued as other people and treated with disrespect.  This led them to struggle making good social connections with other people and prolonged their homelessness. Once they arrived to First Day they were treated with the respect that they deserved which empowered them and gave them the motivation they needed to move forward.

Unlike other organizations, First Day does not force their residents to take part in all that they have to offer. They ultimately leave it up to the residents whether or not they want to participate in certain activities. The organization recognizes that the residents are adults and are entitled to make their own decisions, even if they may not be the best decisions nobody should be forced to take part in something they do not want to do. By allowing the residents to pick and choose what they want to do First Day allows them to process everything that they have gone through and make decisions that can help them move towards recovery.

Another key aspect the students included in their paper was the importance of the diversity within First Day.  All of the residents of First Day have different stories to tell. Alumni of First Day said that they appreciated meeting people with different backgrounds and personalities. According to the alumni the diversity at First Day helped prepare them for the outside world, because in order to be successful you must be able to tolerate and get along with people who have different values and beliefs than your own.

Diversity is important because it allows people the opportunity to master tolerance and gain new perspectives on life. The residents of First Day grow from the people they come across in one way or another. They learn from each others’ stories and learn how to work alongside each other. Their ability to deal with each others’ differences not only teaches them how to tolerate people with views that do not agree with their own, it also helps to build their confidence so that they may know how to approach future employers and co-workers once they leave First Day.

The relationships people have can affect the way they feel about themselves and the decisions they make in life. In their research paper the students demonstrated how negative interactions with people can lead some individuals in the wrong direction that prevents them from being able to recuperate. When people hit rock bottom it is crucially important that they surround themselves with positive people so that they may have the motivation to reconstruct their lives. By surround themselves with negative people they are only preventing themselves from fulfilling their full potential.

For those who are facing homelessness it is important that they seek out support from organizations such as First Day, instead of engaging themselves with those on the streets who do not care to better themselves. 

Places like First Day help people look within themselves and seek out their potential. The positive relationships the residents have with one another help them to not only reconstruct their own lives but it also helps them to become better people.

Overall, the organization creates an environment in which the residents support one another and form a family-like bond. It is successful in helping individuals become a part of their community and provides them with the tools they need to become productive members in society.  

What It Means to Be Gaby: Accepting The Inevitable Change

Today my brother watched his classmates graduate. He watched as they gave their speeches and discussed how they were now moving onto the next phase in their lives, high school.

Like me, my brother is scared of the inevitable change. Although he did not admit it, I could tell he was sad to see his friends for the last time. For weeks he had been dreading this day and he has chosen not to say his final goodbye at a party the class will be having. The very concept of saying goodbye he can understand, but I am not sure he is willing to accept it.

I hope to show him that saying goodbye to people is a part of life, and although it can break our hearts at times our hearts have the ability to recover.

Aside from seeing his friends one last time I think it hit him that next year he will be going through the same thing. He will be the one graduating, and I must admit that the very thought made me feel sad as well. The fact is that he is growing up, and neither he nor I want that to happen. All we want is to stay in this moment for a little longer. Time seems to just flash before our eyes and when you acknowledge where you stand in this moment you may wonder exactly how long was it that you stood in another moment.

When I graduated high school I could not believe that I was considered to be an adult and that I was going to college. It had seemed like the day before I was just a freshman without a clue in the world. Today when I watched my brother receive an award at the ceremony and lead us in the pledge of allegiance I remembered when he had just been diagnosed with Autism at the age of three and they said he would never be able to speak. Taking the time to think about how far he had come warmed my heart, but at the same time I did not want to think about the future. Because unlike my other brother, I can still call him my "little" brother.

Still, I know I must come to terms with the fact that he is growing up. It is hard to accept but I have no other choice but to accept it.  Because change is inevitable. Me of all people should know that very well. And even though I have come to accept that my friends will come and go and that I myself am an adult, the fact that my brother is growing up is perhaps one of the hardest things to accept. But I know it is for the best. I know that as he grows older he will also grow as a person. And I know that in the future he will touch so many hearts and make great changes in the world around him.

So to my brother, do not be scared of the inevitable changes in our lives. Yes, it is sad. And yes, it may not seem fair. But if we accept the changes that happen in our lives and learn to be happy for the memories we gain along the way, then change will only make us into better, stronger, and wiser people.

Obama's Commencement Speech

At UC Irvine’s graduation ceremony on Saturday June 14, President Obama gave the commencement speech. The ceremony took place at Angels Stadium and was UC Irvine’s 50^th anniversary commencement ceremony.

Obama took this moment to address the ongoing debates in regards to climate change. In his speech he pointed out the congressional Republicans and all those who simply dispute climate change and stated that their disputes posed a threat to the future.

"They say when they're asked about climate change, 'Hey, look, I'm not a scientist,' " Obama said to applause."I'll translate that for you. What that really means is: 'I know that man-made climate change really is happening, but if I admit it I'll be run out of town by a radical fringe that thinks climate science is a liberal plot, so I'm not going to admit it."

Obama admitted that he preferred to hear people who believe climate change is a hoax over those who simply deny it to protect themselves from losing money or being run out of office. He acknowledged that those who view climate change as a hoax are causing just as much damage as those who are in denial, but he has more respect for them since they say what they think unlike those who deny something they know is true. He mentioned that those who objected President Kennedy’s goals for the space race had never actually denied that the moon existed. As Kennedy, Obama faces the objections of those who do not agree with his goals in making changes that would be beneficial to the environment but unlike Kennedy, those who oppose his goals deny that the issue exists altogether.

To avoid making it appear as if he was attacking the Republican Party he reminded everyone that not all Republicans are reluctant in addressing environmental issues. He cited a quote from the passage of the Clean Air Act under Richard Nixon and mentioned Theodore Roosevelt’s efforts to develop national parks.

During his speech Obama announced the creation of a $1-billion competitive fund for states affected by severe weather, and complimented the audience before him.

 “Since this is a very educated group, you already know the science," he said. "Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide traps heat. Levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are higher than they have been in 800,000 years.”

He asked the graduates before him whether or not they would be willing to take action and take on the problem that man has created that can ultimately destroy the world we live in. With that being said Obama called on the graduates and all 10,000 people among the audience to get involved in the fight for environmental reform.

“I’m here to tell you that you are right to be optimistic. Consider this, since the time most of you graduated from high school, fewer Americans are at war, more have health insurance, more are graduating from college."

I know not all of you may have agreed with Obama's methods during his term, but I hope that you do at least take the time to acknowledge the affects mankind has had on the environment. Our actions do have consequences and we must take responsibility.

 

 

First Day: Post 7

Those who are chronically homeless have been homeless for a year or longer. The chronically homeless are the most vulnerable amongst the homeless population. A chronically homeless person becomes more and more detached from society the longer they are out on the streets because they are not treated as if they are a part of the community. Many also struggle with disabilities or physical illness. Their health deteriorates the longer they go without health care which will usually lead them to have behavioral problems.  At the point where somebody becomes chronically homeless many think that it is too late to help them, but it is never to help them turn their situation around.

The Whittier First Day Coalition has proved that anybody can turn their lives around as long as they truly want to and will do whatever it takes to do it. The organization has had people who were once chronically homeless go through their Recovery from Homelessness Program and successfully get back on their feet and become a part of the community.

One 50-year-old Hispanic male came into First Day with many health issues and was chronically ill. He had been on the streets for six years and lost contact with his family. First Day was able to provide him with housing and gave him the medical care he needed. In the end he left First Day with his health intact. He obtained Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and was able to be reunited with his family.   

Those In the LGBT Community Do Not Need To Be Cured

Chairman Steve Munisteri, apparently believes that homosexuality is some kind of disease that can be cured with therapy. Well, their is not cure for homosexuality because it is the way those in the LGBT community are born. Calling this therapy treatment a "cure" is not only insulting but it is also misleading to those who are still struggling to accept their sexuality. There is no cure for being who you are and all Munisteri is doing is repressing people from being their true selves. The actions that the Republican Party in Texas is taking to "cure" homosexuality is an act of prejudice and should not be acceptable.

Instead of putting so much energy into curing something that is not in any way harming anybody, the Texas Republican Party should consider focusing on actual issues such as discrimination. The problem is not those who have different views and beliefs than our own, the problem lies in the hands of those who treat people that are different with disrespect. Ignorance needs to be stopped, not homosexuality.

I am not saying that homosexuality cannot be cured just because I am personally a supporter of LGBT rights, it has been proven as something impossible to change. Every major medical and mental health organization in the United States has condemned the use of "reparative therapy." All that this therapy does is cause significant medical, psychological, and other kinds of harm to LGBT people.

For those who want to stand up for the rights of the LGBT community and fight against the Texas Republican's discriminatory anti-gay platform. This so-called treatment plan is nothing but a crime of prejudice. To sign the petition urging the platform to be renounced click on the link below:
https://secure3.convio.net/hrc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1895

First Day: Post 6



Photo of a homeless veteran. He is not a First Day alumni since their privacy is being respected.

The Whittier First Day Coalition has helped many recover from homelessness. First Day has helped a wide variety of people. The veterans who have gone through First Day to receive assistance finally got the care they finally deserved.

In the United States those who are drafted and sent off to war do not always come back and those who do are not always physically and emotionally stable. They may come back physically disabled or mentally disturbed. Although some may have families to care for them not all of them are fortunate enough to have that kind of support. In some cases families may lose patience or are not financially able to provide their veterans services. Others may not have family members willing to support them, therefore, they lack the social networks and have difficulty establishing new social connections due to lack of services needed to help them adjust to civilian life.

At First Day veterans are provided the services they need in order to become a part of the community once again. Two First Day alumni were able to successfully make the transition from homelessness to becoming productive members of society.

One of the two veterans is a man in his late 60’s. After his 34 years of service he ended up on the streets and became chronically homeless. He was homeless for 17 years before he finally came across First Day.

When he arrived at First Day he was able to receive the assistance he needed to find housing. First Day worked with Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) to help find the veteran housing that would best suit his needs. Due to his lack of paperwork the process to get the necessary paperwork took approximately two months to complete, and it took about a month to finally find available housing that was a right fit for the veteran.

To show that he was grateful for First Day’s assistance the veteran attended a city council meeting to thank Whittier for helping him find housing and thanked them for providing services for the mentally ill, health care and for the donations made by Whittier Community Church.

Another veteran that received assistance from First Day was a 50-year-old man who was referred to First Day by the Volunteers of America. While First Day was in the process of navigating housing for the veteran they were able to help him get in contact with his 17-year-old son who was living with some relatives at the time.   

First Day put together documentation for Section 8 voucher for him and his son who were able to be housed in Whittier. Both father and son were provided with intercommunity services, and the father went on to attend East Los Angeles Community College where he studies the effects drugs have on people.  

The Mind Has No Limit

Nobody can tell you what you can and cannot do. Those who are challenged by disabilities or disorders can do just as much as those who are able. Many people pity the disabled or assume that they are incapable of making progress. The people who feel this way are only taking away the services the disabled need in order to learn what ways they can go about using their skills to join the world in productive work efforts. It is because these people say that the disabled are extremely limited that those with "special needs" are not given the extra assistance they need to show their full potential, which may be far beyond what many think.

Dillon Barmache is a 14-year-old who is completely non-verbal due to his autism. Despite the inability to communicate verbally, Barmache, is well-aware of the world around him and knows what it is that others think about him.

To have his thoughts be heard Barmache was given the opportunity to address the graduating class of Hale Charter Academy by using a tablet to read the words he typed to the class.

Before the tablet gave Barmache the opportunity to communicate, his anxiety would build up due to the limitless amount of thoughts he could not express. Autism is well-known for making social interactions very difficult for those who have it. My own brother was told he would never speak since he was still non-verbal at the age of three. Luckily, my brother was able to gain the ability to speak. Still, my brother has difficulty describing what is on his mind. Barmache on the other hand may not be able to speak but he is able to write down how he feels.

Both my brother and Barmache, face obstacles when it comes to communication. Still, it is not right for people to assume that their inability to communicate the way most people do means that they do not have a clue as to what is going on. They know more than many may think.

If you watch Barmache's speech you will see that he explains the difficulties not only he, but everybody faces. He mentions that nobody else but you alone, knows what is going on in your mind. And although some may see a person who is mentally disabled and think that they do not think the way a "normal" person does and have very limited ideas, Barmache reminds us that everyone's mind has no set limit. He encourages people to always be open-minded and look inside other people's experiences to gain different perspectives of the world we live in.

So explore your thoughts and find a way to express your ideas. We may not all be geniuses but we are all limitless. Communication is not something that is only difficult for the disabled, it is something we all have trouble with. In one way or another, we all at some point did not know how to express ourselves. Some of us may still not know what it is that we need to do to be heard. We may seem to be able to socialize just fine, but are we really expressing our thoughts and ideas?

When you see someone who disabled do not assume that they are not able to think as we do, because they are. All they need is a little help to find a way to express their thoughts. Whether it is through writing, painting, or music. Like us, they have hidden talents and would like to feel like their thoughts are heard.

To those interested in reading his speech click on the link below:
http://abc7.com/news/non-verbal-teen-with-autism-gives-grad-speech/96359/

Sharing Your Abilities

Cerebral palsy is a disease that affects families around the world and despite the diseases disabling factors, that does not stop those who have it from living their lives to the fullest. At times it may seems as if they are unable to do things, but the seemingly impossible can become possible with the help of others.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan a 14-year-old boy, Hunter Gandee, and his 7-year-old brother, Braden, finished a 40-mile walk to raise awareness for the disease. Braden himself is one of many that have the disease. Before embarking on the walk to raise awareness the brothers came to an agreement that Hunter would carry Braden on his back the entire since he himself would not be able to do so on his own.

When the two reached the 30-mile walk, Hunter had grown exhausted and debated whether or not he would be able to continue. Another thing that almost stopped the two from completing the walk was the fact that Braden's legs were chafing very badly.

During their struggle to continue on with the walk Hunter reached out to a friend who prayed for the brothers to have the strength to complete the walk. After a moment of rest the brothers were assisted throughout the remaining 10 miles and were able to complete the walk. Once they reached the finish at the top of a hill, Hunter lifted Braden up so that he could touch a "Go Blue" banner to indicate that they had completed their goal.

Along their journey they now only faced the feeling of exhaustion but also had to put up with heat of Saturday and the rain on Sunday. Still that did not stop the two. Both were very committed to the goal that the walk was aiming for and Hunter's admiration for his brother's way of dealing with the disease helped him push through the temptation to give up. For Hunter, the walk was about doing something for his brother.

"I can't even describe to you how special (Braden) is to me. I can't put it into words," Hunter said. "He's awesome. He's always there for me. I really just wanted to give back to him in some way."

The two hope that their dedication will inspire people to come up with ideas for mobility and medical procedures to help those with the disease.
     To those who read this article, I would like to encourage you to find a way to assist others. It can be a small donation or helping somebody up when they cannot stand on their own. We should all be able to experience the things in life that are filled with meaning. We cannot let something such as a disease or disability, hold somebody back from doing something that everyone around them can do so easily. Those who are given the ability to do something were given that gift so that they may share it with others.

People say that those who are disabled are incapable of certain things, but we all are incapable of doing certain things. Just because we along cannot do something does not mean that it is impossible, all it means is that we need help to do it.

 

What It Means To Be Gaby:Letting Love Find You

I find that many people, especially women feel as if they are not beautiful or loved if they do not have someone. Although I have at times wished I had someone, I never go out hunting. I figure that the right person will come along at the right time.

It seems to me that those who go out hunting for someone usually end up with somebody that is not compatible to who they were. The relationship may be short-lived or an unhappy one that is put up with for the sake of calling someone your “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”.

Once my peers began dating I found that many of them were with people they did not truly care for or those who did not truly care for them. Seeing this made me realize that I would rather be single than be in a relationship where somebody cares more than the other person. That is just unfair to whoever truly cares about the relationship, and nobody deserves to be strung along by someone.

When I meet someone I want to feel a connection. I want them to genuinely care about me as much as I care for them. I want them to love me for who I am and be able to put up with my flaws. I do not want them to be afraid of being who they are because I want someone real. I know that this is probably something a lot of you want as well. And in order for this to be able to happen we all have to be able to be true to ourselves and let love find us.

We have to be patient. I know many of us feel the need to be with someone, but I think it is more important to accept the fact that we do not “need” someone else. It is not a necessity to be in a relationship. It is okay to be single.

Just meet people and date around. When it is the right time you will come across somebody special. Until then enjoy being single and learn to love yourself. You cannot be in love with another person until you are able to love and accept who you are. You have to know what you want in life in order to find who you want by you side.

As of right now I am learning what it is I want in life and what I enjoy doing. Being that I am currently single, I believe that there is still more I need to figure out about myself that will lead me to a relationship worth having.

I know it may be hard at times seeing happy couples, but there is no need to rush. Just take the time you have now to learn more about yourself and experience the amazing things life has to offer. Explore new places and try different things. In your journey you will come across a path that suits you best, and along that path there will be someone and that someone will be who you need. Even though there may be times you have relationships with someone special that will not turn out to be the one, just know that you have with that person happened for a reason. That reason being they are getting you closer to that person who is right for you.

The game of love is a tricky one, but it is not impossible to find the one. Be patient, be true to yourself, love and accept who you are, do not change who you are to impress someone, and do not give up on love. There will be someone who breaks your heart, and you may be afraid that someone else will break your heart again. And it may even happen several times, but if you push through the heartbreak there will come a day where you meet someone who will do anything to keep you from getting hurt. That someone will heal your wounds and will want nothing more than to make you happy.

Until then good luck on your journey and enjoy life.

What It Means To Be Gaby: Knowing Who You Are and Where You Stand

 

We may not have any control over the environment we live in or the things that happen to us in our lives; but we do have control over how we live through it.

I am not going to feed you lies by saying you can be whatever you want to be, because life may have other plans for you. But you know what? You do have the power to be who you want to be.

You can be someone inspirational, generous, joyful, artistic, and so on. As long as you stand by your values and who you are, then you should be able to get through life feeling content.

When people ask where I see myself in ten years I have to be honest with them and say I do not know. But what I do know is that I want to be writing.

I used to have a set idea of where I wanted to be but life has already thrown  curveballs at me that made me realize that even if we have an idea of what we want in the future it is not set in stone. Even if we try our best something can happen that destroys that dream. And I think that maybe it happens for a reason. Perhaps what we dream of doing is not what we should be doing.

Now I do not want you to think that that means we should not have dreams. What I am saying is that if that dream does not come true do not let it ruin your life, because maybe there is something out there that is better for you. Just live in the moment and set short-term goals and try to get as far as you can in life.

Even if the dreams we have do come true they will never be as fulfilling as it is to stay true to who we are. Take a look at the musicians that change their image and end up falling apart. We have seen it several times before and have always wondered how someone living the dream can just lose it all. Well, it is because they lost touch with who they were.

This goes to show that maybe it is best to go with the flow and do what we love and see where it takes us. By staying true to who we are the rest should fall right into place. It is best to be where we are supposed to be rather than where we think we should be.

What It Means To Be Gaby: Not Letting Your Problems Defeat You

                                             

Everybody has to face the obstacles life throws at them, and although at times it may seem impossible to get through something it is still possible. What it all comes down to is your attitude and the way you deal with the obstacles before you. Many will give up or avoid the problem.

 You can do all that you can to avoid something but it will always pop up and remind you of its existence. It will absolve you and you will get stuck in a rut. Trust me, I know.

When I was going through the dreaded adolescent period I kept to myself. All the problems I faced in my everyday life I tried to avoid and would not speak of. Eventually it came to a point where I just blew up and realized that the way I had been handling everything was not healthy.

For years I had struggled in school and although I felt I knew just as much as the top students did my grades did not reflect it. My parents would ask me about my grades and why I was slacking off, but the truth is I was overwhelmed with everything that I would forget about small assignments and either turn in my work late or not turn it in at all. When I was studying I was determined to stay focused but my mind would wander off. Even if there was nothing to distract me such as a television or music, I would still drift away into my thoughts.

It scared me that I could not get myself to do what needed to be done, but I did not like the idea that there was something wrong with me. So what did I do? I started to stay in the library to do my work and get help from my friends on the subjects I was struggling the most. Sometimes I would even spend my break time with teachers who went over the material with me. Even with all of the extra time I had been putting into my work I was not where I wanted to be.

Eventually I had had enough. One night my parents were questioning me about my grades and why I was not where I should be and I broke down. I could barely get myself to say that I was trying my hardest and that I thought there were was something wrong. So since I could not get myself to talk about it I wrote them a letter about it.

In my letter I told them that there was something off, that maybe I was just not as smart as I had thought. Maybe I was not built to go to college. If I was incapable of keeping up with the AP students then maybe I did not have what it took to be something greater.

It was heartbreaking thinking that I had the potential but could not display it. I thought that I would have to find some other way to make a living since the road to receiving a well-rounded education proved to be too difficult for me.

After reading my letter my parents took me to see a doctor who diagnosed me with ADD and anxiety. Once I had been diagnosed things started looking up.

Took me a while to find out what worked best for me in regards to school but ever since then my overall performance had improved. At my first year in college I performed better than I did in high school.

Some people wonder why I am not one of those college students that wastes their day and studies all night. Well, after the struggles I faced trying to get into college I will not waste my hard work by screwing around. I have changed.

Now I spend hours and hours in the library. I even joke with people telling them that the library is my second home.

School is my top priority now. If I am not finished with an assignment due the next day do not ask me if I can hangout, because I will not risk my grade for a day of shopping or a school dance.

My first semester people were amazed that I was so ahead of the game. I took advantage of my syllabus and did my work ahead of time. People thought I was such a nerd and would make fun of my overly studious behavior, but in the end it all worked out. Midway through the semester I had a lot of free time on my hands since I was ahead in my work. I took that time to enjoy the rewards and kick back.

Second semester was not so pleasant since my professors did not have a list of the assignments we would be working on prepared. Instead they would assign them in class and I was forced to work on assignments in a short period of time. Still I made it through the semester in one piece. Although I do not agree with the grade I received in science I did my best.

Anyways, the point is I would not be the student that I am if I had let my problems with learning get the best of me. Had I not told my parents what I was feeling then I would probably still be stuck with the idea that I am incapable of many things. But I faced the problem and although it is still a struggle, it is one that is becoming less and less difficult. I made it through the first year of college which is something I once thought I could never do.

We may all have our different problems to deal with but we also have the strength to deal with them. And if we alone cannot deal with the problems before us it is never a bad thing to ask for help. If you do everything in your power to try and deal with the problem and nothing has changed, help may be the only chance you have to deal with it.

So do not avoid your problems or be ashamed of asking for help. Overcome the obstacles that get in your way and do not accept defeat, because you are stronger than you think.

Homeless Teen Beats The Odds

It is up to the student to put in their best effort. There are no excuses. As long as you are not in the hospital, fatally injured or ill you should be able to do what is expected of you.

 

One student in Jacksonville, Florida shows us that not matter what circumstances you are in you can excel academically. That student's name is Griffin Furlong.

 

When he was a young child Furlong's mother died of cancer and soon after her death he, his father, and brother were living in a homeless shelter for two years. By the time Furlong was in sixth grade his family found a home. The family was still tight on money even when they had a roof over their heads, they did not always have food on the table.

By the time his junior high graduation was coming around the corner the family once again found themselves homeless. During his time at high school Furlong struggled to keep it together, in an interview wit WFTV 9 he admitted that there were times he just wanted to quit.

Despite dealing with homelessness and moving from place to place in search of shelter Furlong was able to maintain a 4.65 GPA. He explained that his mother was the reason he was able to keep his drive he needed to push himself and overcome his obstacles.

 

On June 4, he will graduate as his high school's valedictorian with plans to attend Florida State University and study civil engineering. Even though he was able to overcome the hurdles of getting through high school he now faces the difficulty of paying the school's tuition fee. Thanks to some strangers who made donations to Furlong's GoFundMe page he has raised over $20,000 which will be enough to pay for his first year.

After all Furlong has been through he deserves to receive a well-rounded education that will assist him in getting a stable job so that he may be able to support himself and his family.

For those who wish to make a donation to his college fund, visit Griffin Furlong's GoFundMe page here.