6 Tips For Success In Life — From Homeless People

When it comes to compassion, we could all learn a lesson from children. When Heather Lee, ?an elementary teacher, conducted a class project for her students to make place mats for a?homeless?shelter, she was unprepared for how moving it would be – for her, the children, and for the shelter residents.

We’ve explored the conditions and empathized and busted a lot of the myths of homelessness that even some adults still believe! As part of our studies, we’re making homemade place mats to decorate the dining room at Raleigh Rescue Mission, learning that even from our classroom we can help people who need a little boost.

While I was afraid some of my students would be judgmental, they’ve all been the opposite ? opening their hearts and wishing they could do even *more* than just offer heartfelt decorations. (Source)

Source: Candid Slice

The students all created a place mat to decorate the dining room at Raleigh Rescue Mission?and they were beautiful. But one of Heather’s students gave Heather a little something extra for the people at the shelter. A letter.

This is what I want to do??? I feel bad for homeless people. I wish that I can help them. And I doing my best to help you and your friends.?From Some one that cares

Source: Candid Slice
Source: Candid Slice

Heather is serious about her role as a teacher and understands that the tiny seeds she plants today are the fruit of tomorrow. She offers suggestions on how we can all put the teaching of social awareness into practice.

My students are beginning to understand the complex issues of poverty and homelessness, and in our classroom?I’ve?given them the power to help ? if even in some small way. And they already crave more ways to help, help, HELP. So this is a call out to teachers and parents: Educate your kids on social issues, GIVE them the power to help make a difference, and when they grow up we’ll have a generation of people who know exactly how to change the world and will not be afraid to try!

Heather asked for some “words of wisdom” from the residents to pass on to her students and this is what they said:

  1. Stay in school
  2. Be a leader, not a follower
  3. Don’t do drugs
  4. Be yourself (meaning not trying to fit in and get involved with the wrong people)
  5. Love your neighbor
  6. Be good to one another

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