The Good Samaritan (Part 2)

     Back in April 2015 I wrote about a good Samaritan who helped me when I was homeless, by buying me a pair of shoes that happened to be the only pair I had for over a year. I have an update for you.

     I recently had a fall semester class with a lady whom resembled this good Samaritan. She happened to be my professor in Biology Lab 101.

     For the longest time, I would just stare at her in class, knowing that she resembled my saving grace. You see, my feet were bare. There were a lot of little glass shards imbedded into the soles of my feet from walking on dirty sidewalks. I was getting close to becoming immobile from the injuries I was sustaining.

     This professor resembled her so much, that I finally broke down and explained why I couldn't keep from studying her in class. I told her how I was saved by a good Samaritan and she had tears in her eyes. I then thanked her for the wonderful shoes and explained that they were my only pair for over a year. She said, "You're Welcome".

     I have an unexplained fact about this story that might peak your interest. You see, I had an assignment that needed to go into her mailbox at school so she could grade it. She looked so much like my "aunt Luz" that I described in my previous story that I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the first name on that mailbox.
That name was- Luz.

     Now my good Samaritan never gave her name. I just knew the name that my symptoms gave me after I put the shoes on. This is an amazing reuniting. I finally was able to say, "Thank you.". And, I have stronger faith that my symptoms are a special gift. A gift that scares others due to their ignorance and prejudices. But, they don't scare me anymore, but they used to. How would you explain me knowing her name without being told what her name was? This is not a coincidence, but a blessing and a gift of unimaginable beauty.

     Some people call us angels. Those of us with mental illness. I don't think I am an angel, but I do think I have a greater purpose than being locked up for being gifted. If you don't understand mental illness, then look for my Vocabulary ABC's.

     Gifted people can surprise you. This gift, surprised me.

I would like to add a TEDxTALK here about vocabulary algorithms. I have become a TEDxTALK junkie. It is a great way to communicate. They are like short seminars. A great find!

Am I Bound to Poverty Forever?

     Poverty is a herculean problem facing the mentally ill. Even though on Social Security, the amount being given is below poverty level. That also means that there are fewer opportunities for housing. Most housing properties have a minimum income requiring the individual to make a certain amount of money (usually yearly) and Social Security falls short by about 5000 dollars or more.

     This means fewer choices and long waitlists. It is not impossible though, to get off of Social Security and integrate into the community. But, some fellow co-workers, when they find out that you are disabled (because they will find out) start to become hostile to whatever you bring to the table because to them you are taking a job away from someone who needs it. Well, I need a job too. I want to be a productive citizen and pay my taxes instead of spending them. But, work, once it is out, well, the workers make working unlivable and create problems to make you quit.

     There are programs out there to give incentive to the disabled to work. The thing is, is that The Ticket-To-Work Program requires you to disclose to your potential employer that you are disabled so they can receive a subsidy when hiring you. But it is like a catch 22 so to speak. If you tell your potential employer that you are mentally disabled, most likely you won't get the job.

     Everyone has ambition and why should the mentally ill be any different? Just because someone is ill, this should not preclude an interview. I want to fulfill my potential and am having a difficult time finding my niche. But, I am still trying. Now, I am in college for a degree in psychology to become a peer to peer counselor and it will be my last hurrah. I tried cosmetology. I tried engineering. Now, I will be trying to fit into the health field. More specifically,
the mental health field.

     Along the way, well, I am learning a lot about what is normal thought and what is abuse. I am learning that most of my reservations about strangers is actually normal. Especially after what I have been through as a child and as a dependent adult. I am actually very independent when comfortable. I am learning how to bring myself out of poverty, but it is taking a long time. Nothing will happen overnight. My graduation is many years away, and I am trying to be patient getting there. It will be well worth it when I get there. Hopefully, this will pull me out of poverty and restricted status.

ABC's in Mental Health Circles

Housing Resources Here and Here
Here are Young Adult Programs

     Don't give up on your dream. You have a place and you will find it.