Never have I ever thought about how difficult it would be to concentrate on schoolwork when I am hungry.
Never have I ever thought about how difficult – nearly impossible – it would be to participate in in-class activities without the proper school material.
Never have I ever felt so guilty going home at the end of a day because the school asked us for money and I did not know how to tell the adult in my life.
Never have I ever felt so small going back to school knowing that I did not have the required amount of money for a school activity.
And while I may have never thought about such things or felt such feeling, some student, in some classroom is feeling exactly that.
On Friday April 8, the United Way hosted a poverty simulation called ‘Living on the Edge’ and invited University of Windsor students from the Faculty of Education to participate as bankers, parents, students, grandparents, police officers, welfare workers, and teachers. I, alongside my peers, was asked to live for a “month” on limited food, money, and supplies. The simulation was an amazing experience. It was educational and eye opening because it helped me understand what many families and student struggle with in Windsor. Education is a big part and the very first step in helping and understanding student difficulties allows teachers to handle certain situations with more care and sensitivity. I learned about some of the many difficulties that Windsor students face, and the many services the city offers in the form of immediate aid.
Attending such an event is a fortunate opportunity as it is an eye-opening experience.