Experiencing Homeless as a Project
Homelessness is everywhere around us. However, what we see is just the tip of the iceberg.
That's why when Jacqui Jackson's Social Consciousness class spent two days in the field working and spending time with the homeless, she encouraged students to open their eyes and other senses. "It's about getting that experience out of their comfort zone and a certain mindset," says Jackson who also leads the school's service day projects. "Many did express concerns about their safety, but as they spent time in these spaces, they were surprised to realize that many of the homeless are responding to them with kindness in an uncomfortable environment."
In addition to doing service work, the class conducted field observations in Seattle's public places to see how the homeless live and are treated by passersby. For many of the kids, they quickly felt the gaze of pedestrians along the sidewalks. Many chose to not wear rain gear, carried possessions in backpacks, and sat on the wet ground. "Just acknowledging someone who is in a bad situation can make all the difference," says Megan C. ('20)."We're so privileged to go to Overlake. We're loved by our families and many of us are well off so this experience opens our eyes to what's going on in our city."
Senior Alex M. took the class to fulfill a schedule requirement. Preparing to go to college to study Business Administration, he says this class quickly opened his eyes, but more importantly, prepares him for his future of giving as an entrepreneur. "It's been a valuable experience for me to see how so many people got into this situation in a bunch of different ways. A project like this gives me a crucial understanding of the world, and how lucky we are. There are a lot of people struggling and don't have the same opportunities as us," says Alex.
Jackson adds that's the goal of this project. Everyone may have a different experience depending on their sense of sight, hearing, smell, or touch. Sharing those observations with the class expands their knowledge of homeless in our community. "We label this as a homeless crisis but it's not necessarily an item or thing that needs to be fixed. It's people who are experiencing something traumatic and difficult. The solution comes with giving people the dignity and not a pity mindset. That only creates an us versus them mentality with no human connection and very little stake in it," explains Jackson.
In addition to their observations, the group spent time preparing meals, shadowing advocates, and even standing in line and sharing a hot meal on a cold and rainy Friday night under I-5. The group returned Monday to debrief and share their concerns, discoveries, discomfort, and challenges with their classmates. "Our kids are going to leave Overlake and be in uncontrollable spaces, and if they don't have those experiences now, where are they going to get them," asks Jackson? "They have to be able to know that they are strong and independent humans that are capable of problem solving and going into the world relying on themselves even if they have a good support system."
The class is a requirement for the newly formed Experiential Education pathway for students who choose Service Learning. Department Chair Kent Renno joined the group on this project and as he ate his dinner under the interstate whispered, "Look at our students faces, whether they choose this path of not, you can tell that this is a lesson they won't forget for the rest of their lives."
