The Speaker on 4/28

I was a bit skeptical about the speaker on Tuesday, especially since a lot of us were hoping that he wouldn't show up so we could leave early, but I am honestly glad I got to hear his presentation. I think it was the most interesting lecture I have heard in years. I had no idea about the homeless issue with adolescents, mostly because when I walk around downtown the only people I see on the streets are older. I am glad that someone like him, who has also had his share of troubles when he was young, is out there and able to communicate with these kids in a way that their police and the police will never be able to. I really think we should have more people like him teaching the middle school and high school teenagers about responsibility and how to get help if you feel that you are on the verge of leaving or being kicked out on your home. Like he said, he doesn't try to work with the scare tactics routine of showing people disgusting pictures, but actually tries to communicate with them and have open discussions. That is the one thing that teenagers need when they think everyone is just trying to control them and tell them to follow their rules, they need someone who has been there, who isn't trying to be just another authority figure, but someone who is genuinely concerned for their safety not because he has to be, but because he wants to. I have a lot of respect for him, knowing that he started this when he saw what was happening to his friends and he just wanted to help them, nothing more. He really is a caring and selfless person.