“Stranger Things” first aired in July 2016. The hit science-fiction thriller tells the story of 3 adolescent boys and their small Indiana town as they investigate the disappearance of their best friend, Will Byers. As the search for Will intensifies, the characters come across a government laboratory with more than a few secrets, supernatural forces and a rather unique girl. The cross between “ET” and “The Goonies”, the overall sense of mystery and accurate early 80’s depiction are a few of the many reasons why this show has developed such a large fandom. The themes of teamwork, kids sparking change and overcoming insurmountable odds resonated with me as these are what Charity Ball season at Enloe is about. The following paragraphs are split up into episodes from season one and two of this highly admired Netflix original.
“Holly, Jolly”
The end of November through January marks the holiday season. When we celebrate family, tradition and coming together. For Enloe, holiday season begins with Charity Ball. I couldn’t feel luckier to work alongside a non-profit such as The Raleigh-Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness as it is truly inspirational to see the passion they possess. The passion for giving back and serving others, the dedication they have to improving our community. This season, I encourage you to take you part in this endeavor. To be jolly is to be cheerful, and what better way to spread cheer and the holiday spirit than putting someone needs before your own.
“The Flea and the Acrobat”
Visualize an acrobat and a flea on a tightrope. The acrobat can move forward and backward along the rope whereas the flea is free to move forward and backward as well as side to side. If the flea keeps walking to one side, it goes around the rope and winds up where it started. The acrobat has one dimension whereas the flea has two. This theory was told to the “Stranger Things” main characters by their science teacher in attempt to explain how one would theoretically access another dimension.
The analogy revolves around perception and how one entity can observe a single surrounding whereas the other can observe two. Our perceptions, as kids, are limited as we often wear blinders to the real issues our communities face. Charity Ball provides insight and allows us to take off these blinders to be exposed to what life outside our personal dimension. We aren’t fully aware of just how easily things can spiral out of control and turn upside-down. These spirals can sometimes lead to cases such as homelessness. We often speak and develop our opinions on this topic based on our knowledge and media rather than experience so how can we judge someone who is going through something we, ourselves, have never faced before. So instead of judgement or observation, I ask you to choose action. Take part in this fight to end a longstanding issue, donate, volunteer or simply listen to their stories. We may never fully understand their struggle but we can still make a difference for one or hundreds of people.
“The Monster”
What defines a “monster”? Monsters are most commonly interpreted as imaginary creatures with terrifying features but the unfortunate truth is that the ones that exist in reality are even more frightening. According to Merriam-Webster, monster can also be defined as “a threatening force”. Monsters are our fears, the obstacles we face daily. Your monsters may be completely different from mine but they all tower over us in formidable manners. Over 4,000 people are homeless in Wake County. Most victims of homelessness are subject to domestic violence, abuse or mental illness. Everyone suffers obstacles in their lives, but no one should have to face them alone. Why stand by when we have the opportunity to foster awareness and ignite change like a positive force working to defeat the threat of homelessness. Won’t you join our forces to help defeat this monster?
“The Upside-Down“
Homelessness is an alternate dimension, one that is unfamiliar to most. Yet someone else’s parallel may be a life where they have to choose between feeding their family or paying a bill or paying for medication. Victims of homelessness are living in the upside-down of our world, where basic needs such as food, shelter and medicine are not easily attainable. There are a plethora of reasons why people become homeless such as job loss, bereavement, financial problems and divorce – to name a few. These can lead to the loss of friends or family members, support systems and the loss of good health. Something we deem unimaginable, is someone else’s reality. The Raleigh-Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness’ mission is to strategically lead and engage the community in collaborative efforts to prevent and move people out of homelessness. By providing support and with someone there to believe in them, these lives can be flipped right-side up.
Raising money feels like an accomplishment, but the true, wholehearted fulfillment doesn’t lie in handing over a check, but in delivering our compassion and trust to those at the Partnership who fight tirelessly and selflessly for others. A group of high schoolers attempting to raise 150k with only 20 days left? I’ve heard stranger things.
Grace Suzik
Executive Council Historian