Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2009, Page 123

Description:	0s= J ESupport andmoney.—junior TylerHougeNot having tocook for myself.—freshman AudreyJungMy mom doingthe laundry.—sophomore JohnCassidyMy house, itspretty and quiet.—junior BrittanyBlairNot paying forrent and food.—junior MichaelKortzMy mom, shesalways there.—senior PaigeVermaatLiving on my own, I gained maturity...—Cassandra Ranardhome sweet homeAfter school ended, many Bloomington South students would hang outwith friends or go to a sports practice.But, at the end of the day most endedup at their house with their parents.Though the majority of students fellinto this category, junior CassandraRanard did not. Instead, Ranardwent home to her own two bedroomapartment which she shared with oneroommate, a girl her age from North,and no parents.Both Ranard and her roommate werepart of a special program in Bloomington called Stepping Stones. SteppingStones was a two-year program thatopened almost four years ago in 2005.The purpose of the program was togive homeless or nearly homeless teensa place to call home.However, not just any teen couldparticipate in the program. Ms. SheriBenham, the executive director ofStepping Stones said that it was specifically opened as transitional housingfor teens who had any issues at home,or who were experiencing any type ofhomelessness.Ranard described Stepping Stonesas emancipation with cushion, and agood place to learn how to be responsible for what you do.Living at Stepping Stones was notjust like living as an adult with full privileges and freedom. Residents did haveresponsibilities and there were drawbacks and minor struggles.Besides the requirement to hold ajob and pay for half their apartmentbills, Ranard said that her main struggle at first was the struggle to deal withhomesickness.When I first went to SteppingStones, she said, I would get homeand just be so upset, she said. I usedto have my mom there when I gothome from school, and I dont havethat anymore. I really miss just havingconversations with her, as many problems as there were between us sometimes.Benham explained how family issueswas a main reason many teens joinedthe program. We try to support parent-child relationships, she said, andwe actually find that most teens want arelationship (with parents).Though Ranard did not have anyblood-relatives nearby that she had aperfect relationship with, she saidthat a real family doesnt have to berelated to you. It just has to be someone you talk to on a daily basis andsomeone you love. And [the peopleat] Stepping Stones have definitely become a family to me.After having experienced independence, Ranard made the decision tomove back in with her mother. Thestress of balancing school and work ontop of paying for her apartment provedto be too much. It was a reality check,Ranard said. She added that her relationship with her mother had improveddrastically since she moved out. Living on my own, I gained maturity andour relationship is closer, Ranard explained. -KAITLYNNE SILVERSliving alone \| STUDENT LIFE \| 123
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/8145
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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