Exploration Three: Literacy events and opposing issues by Darrin Warwick

     I think a literacy event that has helped me in my life is going to college after eleven years of being out of school.  I have to talk to young adults that do not have much life experience and only know school.  I can actually learn a loy from them because they can help me with something that I have an issue with or school work.  The hardest part is trying to relate to them because obviously I am so much older than them.  I try to be a kid at heart but with kids and a job its tough so school kind of makes me feel young in a way.  In college you have to communicate and work in groups which i am use to but its not the same as it was in the military.  Those people I had to trust and rely on they may save my life here in college I am in a group for a few hours then I dont have to see them for a few days so this is teaching me to keep open communication and better all around people skills.
     One big issue that is always on my mind is suicide prevention I dont know if there are laws for mental health or things like that.  I had one of my best friends from the army take his own life and it has been hard to deal with he never reached out for help and you would of never seen it coming. Twenty three veterans a day commit suicide and over fourteen hundred college students a year take their own life.  It seems to be an epidemic that nobody cares about until it effects them personally.  The numbers continue to grow daily and one kind jesture to a person who is dealing with mental health issues could be life saving.  You never know who it could be or if you do don't be afraid to talk to them about it.