SOS speaker Chris Webster

Tuesday’s class was very interesting considering we had a very unique speaker. I thought that Chris Webster did an excellent job explaining the programs offered at Ceders Street Outreach Services (SOS). His lecture made me realize even more just how much I want to work with troubled youth. As a child I wish that I had access to some of the programs offered by Cerders. I, myself would have been considered an “at risk youth.” I struggled with my families unrealistic expectations. I had conflict with authority. I even lost interest in positive/productive activities. I could probably list a dozen other things I struggled with as a teenager but what my point is, is that I had problems with no where and no one to turn to. I eventually got involved in another program which Chris briefly discussed which was Big Brother Big Sisters program. This program helped me to become a better person. The big sister I was matched with is still one of the closest people I know.
I thought it was great how Chris Webster approached the issues he presented. He didn’t sugar coat any problem or question through out the entire class. It was more shocking to find to see the pictures of where the homeless teens live on the streets. To be honest I had know idea that we even had a population of homeless teens in the Lincoln area. I also found it interesting how statistics showed that in most cases girls ran away more often times than boys. It made sense after Chris explained that females are more likely to ask for help and therefore find more resources. It didn’t surprise me however that females were more likely to be supported by an older man.
Over all I enjoyed Chris’s discussion with the class. It was a change of pace that for sure.