On Tuesday, we took a group of Stephen students to SAU to sit in on class and have lunch on campus. One of the girls asked me why we had chosen Stephens instead of one of the larger high schools. She stated that Stephens never gets this sort of treatment or is seen as important in comparison to the other schools. This statement took me back, because I realized the education disparity that I’ve been wrestling with in my paper for Social Problems was taking place in Stephens. It’s one thing to read about these under-resourced schools and poverty stricken communities, but to see it is a completely different experience.
The same girl then asked for my contact information. I hesitated because I knew coming on this trip, I would be giving these students hope but I also knew the reality of the situation and my role. I would more than likely not be coming back to Stephens any time soon and though I want to keep in touch with this girl, I know that I can’t possibly do anything to truly help her in the long-term except to be honest with her and state that there is more to life than what you have been exposed to.
As the day continued, our conversations took a personal turn. She had recently moved to Stephens and struggled with her many issues at home and in finding her voice that I did and still continue to struggle with…Here was a girl who has so much to give to this world, but lacked any sort of positive influence and guidance. Wow…makes me think about how lucky I was in having mentors and my support system.
I don’t think this blog is truly able to capture these last few days…but I welcome any dialogue when we return to campus. I don’t even know the true impact this experience will make on me.