 Be The Hope You Wish To See. Shazi :) With her eyes awakened, she drifts to a land to simply reflect. To simply take the time to think. The truth is the other day I was walking and as usual along these walks, I saw the same woman sitting on the pavement asking for money. Holding the sign: "Please help, I am homeless". I reached out to hand her whatever I could, but this time I was frustrated. I was upset because I know that this woman could be helped and possibly get off the streets. I decided to have a conversation with her. After talking with her, I offered her hope and told her about the services that she could access to help her. She smiled and said she would. I know that maybe she will or maybe she wont, because the truth is that poverty does not only affect at the financial level. It affects at the physical and psychological level as well. Metaphorically speaking, the people become at "poverty" in their own thought state. A state of nothingness, even hopelessness. Sometimes it could be a small word of encouragement, or simply starting a conversation to make the person feel once again that their existence matters. This acts as a mechanism for hope. In the same sense I remember volunteering for a men's homeless shelter. I wanted to have the experience to see what it was like for males who were experiencing homelessness. The truth is that I was left in a state of shock. This experience has left a memory that often shapes my thoughts. After I had questioned the male's in this shelter, often there would be a few that would start to talk about their circumstance. I could see tears in their eyes. As they spoke I could not do anything but to listen and respond with a kind word. Simply to remain professional and recognized boundaries.  This experience revealed to me that as a society, we sometimes forget that men are also vulnerable beings. We discuss women's rights and how girls education should be emphasized. It is true it should be, there is no negation of this point, but I am thinking that in doing so we have somehow forgotten that men's rights, as well as the rights of adolescent boys need to be brought back into focus as well. The high school drop out rate for males in the USA was 12.3% to 7.1 % between 1990 - 2014 with the girls rate of 11. 8 % to 9.9%. The girls rate of drop out then further decreased another 5.9%, leaving the final drop out rate for girls in 2014 to 4%. This is a stark contrast to the boys rate of 7.1%. (Statistics from U.S. Department Of Education). These statistics show that while there may be other factors that do impact the results, we can think about the emphasis that is being placed on girls education. It is really making a positive difference. This should also influence the need to place an emphasis on empowering boys, / adolescent boys to acquire an education or stay in school. As a society the women as being vulnerable stereotype is very well - known. We also have to remember that males / boys can also be vulnerable beings. Sometimes it is OK to let down a guard and say we need help, or a friendly ear, it is OK to do so. If boys were encouraged to open - up and talk with others such as parents, educators, mentors, or someone who they feel they can talk with. Maybe they could receive support, and interventions early so that they would stay in school and prevent them from falling through the cracks. Thoughts to ponder We have already recognized the rights of women and males. Without placing emphasis on ones rights above the others. It is time to recognize and realize that these rights were discovered with hard work and courage from our predecessors. These are recognized so that we as a society can begin to heal back into wholeness. Meaning that everyone needs to work together, whether they are male or female. You can't just leave out some rights above another rights, because it is the "in" thing. The girls will be the mothers, or whatever they choose to be of tomorrow. The boys will be the fathers, or whatever they choose to be of tomorrow. It only makes sense to place an emphasis on everyone's education, dreams, desires, and goals. Questions Why should we want to see another woman / girl homeless or on the streets? Why should we want to see another man / boy homeless or on the streets?    Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the homeless, it breaks my heart to see you there in this century, in this civilization. These thoughts are also dedicated to our son. I advocated and made sure you get you through. I am grateful, humbled, and feel very honored to see you graduate this fall. My thoughts to share with love & kindness. :) Notes: These thoughts were originally hand -written August 1st 2016. Image 1 Web Link Image 2 Web Link Image 3 Web Link Image 4 Web Link Image 5 Web Link
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