Gene Denton 3

At times, the desire for change may be as intense as the need to breathe. A breath of fresh air provides serenity, peace, and calmness. The tranquility one receives while slowly allowing oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to exit the body is fulfilling. It’s sad to admit, but necessary to realize that many people have never experienced a breath of fresh air. They have never experienced moments of love, fondness, or security. Instead, they struggle with meeting ends. Finding a safe place to sleep, a shelter to protect them from the weather, water to combat their thirst, food to satisfy their hunger, and people to tell them that they care for their well-being may seem unattainable. 

Every morning I transport myself to school. The sun begins to peek through the clouds illuminating the road and everything around it. My school is a ten-minute drive from where I reside. In those ten minutes, I catch a glimpse of others’ lives. I sit in my car seat and drive past people who sleep along the sides of the roads and under the bridge. Their restless faces and desperate attitudes emerge a sense of guilt in me. I feel paralyzed. Homelessness is an issue that’s prominently seen in my community. 

People become homeless for numerous reasons. Homelessness isn’t a sign of failure. Everyone struggles with their unique situations. I know people who have become homeless due to their parents kicking them out of the house. A human’s environment at home may be challenging, and the relationships between parent and child aren’t always great. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I know of many people who aren’t allowed to work because of their immigration status. They have the physical and mental desire to work but aren’t allowed to do so by the government. Although the government aids people with disabilities financially, some still become homeless. In today’s world, people with disabilities aren’t always as easily hired as someone who is fully “capable .”Other factors contribute to homelessness as well—factors such as drug abuse, depression, or maybe just even rebellious actions. 

As a person who lives in a home, it is tough to admit that you fully understand what homeless people experience. One can only view and sympathize with so much from the seat of a car. As of now, I don’t have much to give. Whenever I have spare change, I feel good about giving it away. Some say that it’s bad to do so because they can use it for other purposes, such as drugs, but I did my part. Whatever they do with what I donate is no longer my concern. 

My chosen career will bring me success. I’d like to pursue a career as a Radiologic Technician. Here I’ll be able to provide a safe environment for anyone, regardless of their background or financial status. I’ve always been a compassionate person and I have a solid ability to sympathize with others. I’m understanding of everyone’s situations because at one point, that was me. The first home that my family was attempting to own they lost due to the disability to pay. They were able to come to a new country, underaged, without knowing the language, and still put forth efforts to get my siblings ahead in higher education. Due to their valiant efforts, my brother still receives higher education, and I am college bound. I thank them for everything they have provided me, and I know that I couldn’t have done it without them. They provided me with a safe home, and I’d like to provide the same to others.