Educating Students About Human Services

This year at California State University of Fullerton executive director of the Whittier First Day Coalition, Ted Knoll, has taken on a position as a professor teaching Human Services. During one of his class sessions Knoll had guest speaker, Maria Alcala, from First Day share her experience of homelessness with the class. After the class the students were expected to write papers on what they learned from Alcala’s story and how her story had changed their perception of homelessness.     

       

Many of the students admitted to being afraid of the homeless because of society’s stereotypical view of them as dangerous, filthy, and mentally unstable. Once hearing Maria’s story it appeared as if a barrier of ignorance dividing the students from compassion and understanding came tumbling down.

This change in perception is fairly common when educating people on a subject that they are not sure of. Educating people on some of the personal backgrounds of the currently or formerly homeless can break down the stigma brought on by society’s portrayal of the homeless. Although some of the homeless may be mentally unstable or dangerous, people should not come to the assumption that all the homeless people they come across are like that.

Stereotypes may prove to be fairly accurate because they are based on how the majority of a certain group behave. In this aspect stereotypes serve as a tool for people to find others that they can confide in or stay away from groups that may harm them. Still, stereotypes can also cause people to neglect others who may be in need much like how many ignore the homeless they see on the streets. 

In life we have to pick and choose our battles. If there is someone that we see in need that we feel we can help then maybe it is worth it to offer them help. When the opportunity presents itself do not turn your back without a legitimate reason. 

By teaching younger generations how to go about helping others we can make way for better judgment and help more of those in need. Bringing awareness to these issues can lead to change that will make this world a better place.