Letters - Students realize poverty is present in this area

Editor’s note: The subject of poverty is not something that is typically studied in schools or talked about in social settings. The college composition curriculum at Jefferson High School includes a book by Barbara Ehrenreich titled Nickel and Dimed On (Not) Getting By In America. It allows readers into a world many people are uninformed about or choose to ignore. In an attempt to personalize the topic, students also listen to local people talk about need in Alexandria. Jessica Boyer, director of the United Way here in Alexandria, Jennie Hevern from The Salvation Army and a panel of peers experiencing financial struggles, all speak to the class. Students also assisted with two monthly United Way food drops. At the end of this unit, most students indicate the desire to make a difference somehow. Below are letters from three students in this English class, taught by Chris Kragenbring. Their message to others is based on what they have learned through this English unit.

To the editor:

In our college composition class we have been studying poverty. Jessica Boyer, the United Way director, came to our class to speak about the poverty level in Douglas County and Alexandria. Much of the class was surprised by the statistics she shared. For example, in our School District 206 there are 63 homeless kids.

A panel of our peers at Jefferson High School shared with our classes the challenges of poverty and what life has been like for them. Most of them work 30 hours a week, on top of going to school. Poverty is a touchy subject for many people, especially in high school where everyone wants to fit in. The students were very brave to share the inside parts of their lives with us.

Many of the students volunteered at the United Way food drive in September and came back with stories of how grateful everyone was who received food. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the community, and our class is just starting to explore the options. Jefferson High School has also started a “Friday Food Drop,” where the kids who don’t have access to food on the weekends will have food to take home with them.

Especially with the upcoming holiday season, I feel volunteering and sharing will be growing as everyone is getting into the giving mode. Hopefully, that mode will continue into our lives after we graduate.

Hadley Klepper

Jefferson High School Student

To the editor:

I am currently in College Composition I at Jefferson. We have been digging into the issue of poverty in and around our community for the last couple weeks. We have had a few speakers come into our class and give us an inside look at the reality and presence of this seemingly unstoppable issue. One speaker in particular, Jessica Boyer, the United Way director, really opened my eyes. The statistics she told us were truly astonishing.

Over half of Douglas County residents are struggling financially. Since 2008, our poverty rates have doubled. Some people can’t even afford garbage pick-up and are forced to leave their trash on their lawns.

Transportation is a luxury, seeing some can’t afford a car and the cheapest ride is the Rainbow Rider ($2/trip). Clean clothes are sometimes unavailable because a washer and dryer of their own is out of their budget and at a laundromat, it costs about $6 per load.

I had no idea people lived in these situations. I have a newfound respect for people who are forced to live like this and somehow still go through life with a smile on their face. In a perfect world, this letter would inspire our community to come together and help out those in need.

I understand, on the other hand, one simple letter to the editor probably won’t affect everyone, but I hope this will show a few people that just because someone’s income is low, it doesn’t mean they are a bad or lazy person. I challenge you to explore the different volunteer options our community has to offer.

Heidi Bush

Jefferson High School Student

To the editor:

Help eradicate poverty.

The International Day for Eradication of Poverty is every year on October 17 throughout the world. Poverty exists not only around the world, but also here in our own community. Children who live in poverty not only have less food to eat and warm clothes to wear, but also do not have the same educational opportunities as other children, which makes them struggle through school.

Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to continue the life of poverty. As responsible and caring citizens we need to help break this cycle by supporting those in need through programs like the United Way, Salvation Army, food shelf and other worthwhile organizations. These programs help support many people in many ways. So join the cause to help eradicate poverty by starting in our own community by donating your time and/or money to make a difference.

Beau Backhaus

Jefferson High School Student

Tags: opinion, letters