Some of the Teen Press (Lili, Maisie, and myself) at 4:30 in the morning about to interview some volunteers for the census questionnaire.
After an exiting and interesting interview with Michael Pollan (author of Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and many more) three weeks ago, Sophie and I both say at the same time "I think we should do a segment on the homeless." And that is when it started. Those ten words have completely changed my life, for the better. It was just forty-five minutes ago that Maisie asked a homeless person "What gives you hope?" The man who has been homeless for only four weeks replies back "Jesus." Now I'm not a very religious person but that word really spoke to me. I think the reason why this simple two-syllable word spoke to me in such a loud voice was that no matter how far off the track this man has gone, he still has something to rely on, religion.
Today was such a meaningful day for me that I actually decided to do something that I normally don't like to do, write. But, hearing a tall homeless man, who looks like he could really need some help, sing in spanish about love and life in a booming opera voice made me want to dig deeper and really find out what happens "Behind the Scenes" of a homeless life. And as I type I am informed that the eighth homeless person died this year, which keeps the average going of one death per week. As sad as this is, the city of Santa Barbara is doing everything in their power to reduce the number of homeless deaths. Survival Santa Barbara is a great, new organization that takes in homeless people on cold, and rainy nights (these conditions are the ones where most people lose their life to). Another organization that does a great deal of helping is Casa Esperanza this is where I was today, interviewing people ranging from the nurse that helps the people with physical and mental health issues to the people who actually have these issues. And as always, who is right beside me helping me on my journey? You would think I would say my mom or my dad but no, my old Social Studies teacher John Seigel Boetenner.
I have a feeling that this isn't going to be just another segment for the SBMS Teen Press.
Stay tuned for more
Thanks
Dylan
