For the past 25 years, the Cleveland Urban Plunge
has been a tradition in the Social Work department. Senior Social Work majors
devote a Saturday in the fall semester to learning more about urban life and
the struggles that come with it. Though previously held over an entire weekend,
the shortened Urban Plunge still has a lot to offer students.
A first-hand look at poverty and homelessness can be
incredibly powerful. “This trip has enabled me to understand myself and how I
react to certain situations,” said senior Hillary Falter, “I definitely went
out of my comfort zone, but I believe it changed me for the better and I am
more thankful for what I have.”
When asked about the most memorable moment of the
trip, Jennifer Tenbrook talked about a man she had met on the trip named Ray.
He had been homeless since 2005, when he moved to Cleveland after Hurricane
Katrina. “Even though he has been homeless for 8 years, he was still very happy
and outgoing, as though nothing could possibly bring him down.”
Hillary also commented on the positive attitudes of
people she met on the trip. “Despite the situations these individuals have
encountered, they did not fail to stay positive-- how powerful is that?”
For more information about the Social Work and Family Studies Department, visit our website.
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