St. John's University Athletics
A Night In Solidarity
1/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Jan. 20, 2006
Here at St. John's University I am not only a student but also an athlete. I am a member of the men's lacrosse team. St. John's student-athletes are actively involved in community service both on and off campus. The other night I had the opportunity to participate in an eye-opening experience. "A Night in Solidarity" was a chance for me personally to be apart of something that I have never known, and hope never to know. After spending just one night in the shoes of a homeless person, I have a completely different view on the whole situation.
The night started at 8 p.m. I was asked to meet in St. Thomas A. More Church. At the time of my arrival I was greeted by many new and welcoming faces. First, we went around the table and stated our names, and reason for being there, while at the same time enjoying a typical meal served in a shelter- bread and soup. After spending the night, I realized what this meant, and the message that they were trying to get across. Next, we all gathered in a circle with a ball of yarn and every person stated what homelessness meant to them when the ball was tossed to them. I said being homeless meant being stripped of everything that one has ever known or loved, and having to live each day not knowing where your next meal is coming from, or where you will sleep.
After hearing what each person had to say, I got a good idea of what it would be like to be homeless, and thought to myself that I hope I never have to deal with it personally. After thoughts were exchanged we all sat down and listened to a real life experience from a man who had been homeless for a short period of time. This was the point of the night when everything hit home and everyone began to understand what we were all apart of. I know that it did with me. The night came to an end with the showing of the movie "With Honors," which deals with the topic of homelessness.
Personally, I know that this is one night that I will never forget. The values that I learned I will take with me for the rest of my life and every time I come across a person that is most likely homeless, I will go out of my way to help them in any way possible. After time for reflection, I can honestly say that the experience gave me an even greater understanding of homelessness. It was an opportunity for me and the others there to step out of their comfort zone and experience something that is an ever-growing concern around the world.