I never thought it would happen to me. I had a job. I had savings. I was a student. But rents went up. My hours got cut. I couldn't find a room I could afford.
I learned who will help. My cousin let me sleep on her floor. My friend let me crash on her couch. My professor gave me a list of resources. The food pantry at school never asked questions.
I learned who won't. People I thought would help disappeared. People I thought cared looked away. I don't blame them. I just remember.
I learned to ask. I was embarrassed. I didn't want people to know. But when I finally told my professor, she said: "This happens to students all the time. There are resources. Let me help."
I learned that this is normal. Not okay. Normal. There are thousands of students in California who can't afford rent. Who sleep in cars. Who crash on couches. I'm not alone.
I found a room. It's small. The carpet is old. I'm taking it.
I'm not ashamed anymore. I'm just glad to have a place.
I learned who will help. My cousin let me sleep on her floor. My friend let me crash on her couch. My professor gave me a list of resources. The food pantry at school never asked questions.
I learned who won't. People I thought would help disappeared. People I thought cared looked away. I don't blame them. I just remember.
I learned to ask. I was embarrassed. I didn't want people to know. But when I finally told my professor, she said: "This happens to students all the time. There are resources. Let me help."
I learned that this is normal. Not okay. Normal. There are thousands of students in California who can't afford rent. Who sleep in cars. Who crash on couches. I'm not alone.
I found a room. It's small. The carpet is old. I'm taking it.
I'm not ashamed anymore. I'm just glad to have a place.