Interview With a Doctor

This week, I interviewed Dr. Martha Wynne, who is an Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Education. Dr. Wynne has a B.A. in Sociology and Religion, an M.A. in Special Education and, of course, a Ph. D. in Educational Psychology. She has extensive experience working with homeless families. This entry is based on an extensive discussion her and I had this week.

We began by discussing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. I have touched on this Act in other entries. Essentially, this Act is meant to give homeless children more opportunities to go to school. My research has led me to believe that this Act works for the betterment of the homeless population; however, Dr. Wynne pointed out some aspects of the Act that do not go far enough. An example she provided me with detailed how students (children, not college students) who apply for aid under this act are required to attend the same school. This can be particularly difficult and extraordinarily time consuming for families that are forced to move from shelter to shelter or residence to residence. I would imagine that this would be taxing on the student, in that it will have repercussions for the rest of his or her life. The kind of stress this aspect of the Act, as well as the stresses of being homeless, might in fact determine whether or not a child wants to go to school when they come of age. These types of stresses are something other children to not have to contend with, providing evidence to the fact that many of us are privileged. To this end, Dr. Wynne described the McKinney-Vento Act as mostly “aspirational,” in that its message and direction signal well intentions, but, as previously mentioned, does not do nearly enough.

While Dr. Wynne admitted having had little experience in dealing with homeless college students, she acknowledged that there were similarities between that group and the families she worked with. For instance, transportation, time and money issues are likely to be as much a problem for college students as they are for younger children and their families. In fact, a family Dr. Wynne had worked with detailed how they had to sit with their kids on the CTA for four hours every day just to make sure they got to and from school safely. This ate up an enormous amount of time. Homeless college students, as I have come to learn more and more about, experience similar instances of time consumption. One student in particular described how he had lockers situated in various parts of the school and at his gym, requiring him to stay on a fixed schedule daily. I am a consistent person, but I know how maintaining a routine can be taxing on an individual. Also, for the most part, I can change my routine and do not have the added frustrations that come with being homeless. I found a great link to a video where a college student is describing the kinds of stresses he encounters and how these types of things can hinder the educational experience.

This is something to keep in mind as I continue my work with students. The fact that this is largely something they want to keep invisible is also a point of consideration. I suppose I could make it more apparent that I am ally and willing to help any who want it.