Living for Today

Five hours into your beauty sleep and your alarm goes off. The sun isn’t out but it’s time for you to get up! Halfway through your bowl of cereal, you realize you don’t even have enough money for a bus pass. Moreover, your girlfriend’s son would like some breakfast too. How do you make it to work without transportation and take care of your family at the same time today? What about tomorrow? The JLA Class of 24 faced very similar questions in the poverty simulation sponsored by United Way. Each group received a different family profile based on low-income households. Some consisted of up to five members with only one current income! The situation was described as “stressful” by many of the participants. However, the simulation provided a unique enlightening. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate of 2016, about 13.5 percent of citizens in the United States are living in poverty. That’s over 43 million people! So the question is are we doing enough to change this? In fact, members of the JLA class were asked to answer this same question. While many weren’t aware of the surprising statistic, it was agreed upon that those living in poverty should be given assistance. Little by little “average” citizens can provide simple gestures such as a meal or an example resume. Though looked at as elementary, these favors can provide someone struggling the stepping stone they need to a more preferred lifestyle. So don’t ignore those reaching out to you. A simple smile may ensure them that they’re at least being heard. We are all human and we are all brethren. Show the world that we are indeed united!