Powerful, Painful, Poignant Story: Redirecting Donations Could Be Impactful

This WPo piece, wpo.st/CUgL0, beautifully written by DeNeen L. Brown, describes the experience of a homeless student at Georgetown University.  Unfortunately, it is a story I have seen before -- in action, with equal poignancy, pain and power.  Those who complain that the poor lack responsibility need to re-think their premises.

Students like Rashema Melson and institutions with support programs like that described here deserve our respect.  But, we need more support for vulnerable students to help them succeed; their needs are great. Hard for others to appreciate the depth of the needs. Their experiences do not mimic that of many other students. Wealthy individuals may lack first hand experiences with homelessness, poverty and experiences of first generation students.

It is why, for me, Paulson's gift to Harvard remains deeply troubling. Think about the impact of giving that money to support/assist homeless students like Rashema and the institutions that serve her/them could have. It could serve literally to lift a generation -- as important as engineering is.  Can you feel the potential?  

Lots of lessons emerge here.  Piece is a worthy read.  A worthy student.  A worthy way to reflect on how those "with" can help those "without."  Someone recently told me that I can't change where people with largesse give.  People make their own decisions.  True, I can't force the direction in which people donate. I understand that. It is not my right and certainly folks can decide for themselves where their money goes.  But, I can share stories and support causes that, if they garner attention, can interest a wider range of donors who could then see what their wealth could accomplish. And what can that wealth accomplish? Answer: plenty.