Welcome Back, Alumni!

A recent grad writes: 

Congratulations fellow Investigators! We made it through the course! We have all arrived at this wonderful moment together because, let’s face it, we wanted the money that was promised to us for taking the class! Who knew that after taking the class, I think everyone would agree, that we’ve walked away with so much more than the stipend offered to us. We have been forever changed for the better. Thankyou Bridges Out of Poverty staff and everyone who helped put the Getting Ahead class together for us. Because of you, we have a new lease on life, a renewed mindset. I believe that coupled with a little effort we will go on to produce many positive outcomes for ourselves. Again, thank you.

I was asked to share what life was like for me before the Getting Ahead class. I’d like to say my life wasn’t so bad. Who really wants to admit that their life is less than fantastic? If I get honest, I had been merely surviving, living day to day, robbing Peter to pay Paul. I had no vision and no drive. I didn’t have a plan written down. There was no budget or any 1, 2, or even 3-year plan to accomplish my goals. I wanted to do better.

I knew I had to do something different, especially after the death of my mother and a week later, my great-nephew died. Their deaths were the final straw that pushed me over the edge into a pit of despair and depression. Thankfully, that’s when I heard about Bridges Out of Poverty. I thought, “well, I sure fit that definition! I’m impoverished and I need a bridge!” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they said they would pay me a stipend to take the class that would help me! It was a deal I couldn’t refuse.

The class to my surprise, was not a class at all but a meeting of minds. A group of sleuths, investigating 1) the causes of our economic situations and the impact it’s had, 2) how to evaluate our self-perceptions and solve problematic issues as they arrive, and 3) how to improve and build better relationships, connections and resources from family, friends, and the community.

It was refreshing to have the various community speakers come and speak. They gave me hope that there are resources available where I can get the support needed to help me improve my quality of life.

Another concept that has been driven home throughout the entire class, is the importance of planning. That, without a plan, I planned to fail. When we began looking at planning skills, I was faced with evaluating my time management. I am learning to value my time more. I agree that time is one of the most valuable commodities. I desire to become more effective in managing and maximizing time to build strong ties and loving people.

The GA class has been very insightful. I can see where I’ve become complacent. Not truly living. The GA class helped me, see that, I don’t have to stay imprisoned. I can choose to think differently, choose .to be grateful. Choose to look and move forward to what‘s ahead for me and not focus on what has happened in the past.

Finally, I’ve learned that It is okay to ask for and receive help. That help might not come neatly packaged the way I want it to be. That I must be open to people of all nations, regardless of their social and economic class. Everyone has value and has something to contribute. I like what a poet named John Donne said, in his devotional., “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man/woman is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. So, let’s commit to living, not merely existing. Commit to thriving not settling for complacency. Every one of us matters. You matter! If not you, then who? We must learn to find joy in the journey and satisfaction in hard work by mindfully engaging in our lives. We must stop looking at what we didn’t get or don t have, instead, focus on what I do have and can do! We must dare to dream again! I challenge you to take what we have learned and put it to work. I challenge you to be present and live, not merely survive. I like this quote by actor Bradley Whitford, who said, “Take action! Every puny little thing that you‘ve ever accomplished is the result of taking action. You have a choice. You can either be a passive victim of circumstance or you can be the active hero of your own life.” I say, Let’s be heroes! It’s more fun! Thank You!