Friday the 13th.
Not a lot of traffic at the table but had several good conversations. I was talking to one young man about his plans for the summer and he told me he planned to spend it in Mexico with his father who has been deported. The young man was born in this country but neither of his parents were. His father was deported; his mother is at risk. His father has adapted and seems to have no interest in returning. He is a Sophomore and has no idea what he wants to do. He would like to go to college but the whole process of college application is overwhelming. He has no idea how to start and cannot rely on help from home. Plus he doubts he will ever have enough money. So his future is not particularly hopeful. Ideally he could benefit from resources at his school. But that leads to the next item.
My contact at the school is a woman who works in the College and Career center. She told me that her job has been cut to half-time. She's not sure she'll even be back next year. She is divorced and although her kids are grown, she's still too young to retire and can't afford to. Of all the programs they could cut, the college and career resource center should be low on their list based on the story of the young man (above) and countless other students who need a lot of guidance as they try to figure out their path. I told her they should consider cutting the NJROTC program down the hall instead - she chuckled.
One of the security guards told me that on Monday they have to take turns escorting a young Wheeling student around the school because he is getting released from jail (yikes!) and the police officers can't be bothered to do this. (His words).
Two young women paused at the table. I offered them a sucker. One said "I don't want one but I'll take one home for my kid." (Yikes again).
Final note - results of our "scientific" poll to the question "Should women be required to register for Selective Service" - 3 yes; 1 no.
Libby
