The University News

Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Forum

Media Credit: Alexia Lang

It's hard to believe another year has come and passed.

Holiday music is playing in my car, I can hardly wait to put up my tree and stores are filled with decorations.

No matter what holidays you celebrate, this is truly a special time of year.

There is something magical about the anticipation in people young and old.

But the joy that comes with feasting and giving is not equally spread around.

I don't think I truly understood that travesty until this year.

You see, I began teaching at an inner-city school in August. Driving down Troost Avenue on my way to the school each morning, it's not unusual to see several prostitutes, a few drug deals and an occasional street fight.

But what strikes me most is the many children and young adults who can be spotted on the sidewalks not far from the dilapidated homes where they live.

They are the children we help in our school. We provide food, shelter, education, tutoring, healthcare, counseling, clothing and protection from the environment waiting for them outside our doors.

Going further than the average school, we purchase a birthday gift for them, we give them a Halloween costume and we make sure they have presents to open Christmas morning.

But it's not enough.

The neighborhood is still in trouble. Our students still have to leave our building at the end of the day to go home to danger and many children don't even have the chance to be in safe havens like ours.

For most of these families living in poverty and devastation, feasting and presents are not even possibilities this holiday season.

While we enjoy a second serving of turkey and mashed potatoes with a slice of every kind of pie known to man on the side and a dollop of whipped cream on top, there are people all across the United States who won't even get to eat on Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

Despite the Salvation Army's bells that ring as a reminder to reach out to those less fortunate, it's easy to focus on our own needs before worrying about those of others.

Unfortunately, the economic depression will have an effect on everyone's Christmas this year.

It's not just the people on the other side of the tracks who will only celebrate the holidays in passing.

But I think it might not be a bad thing.

With the distraction of "things" gone, it could be a little easier to focus on family and helping others.

Take a little time this holiday season and realize how blessed you really are.

Volunteer your time and give what resources you have.

Harvesters, Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations need our help.

There are many people a lot less fortunate than us.

alang@unews.com

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