My past experiences had a significant influence on writing my narrative. Having spent a lot of time partying and using drugs and alcohol, I developed a firsthand understanding of how easy it can be to lose control and how substance use can impact someone's life. While I was fortunate never to experience homelessness myself, I recognize that my choices could have led me down that path. This personal history allowed me to write with empathy and authenticity, imagining the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and the importance of support systems in helping individuals rebuild their lives. My journey of over 20 years of sobriety also gave me perspective on resilience and the possibility of change, which shaped the tone and message of my narrative.

My essay shows a humanistic, empathetic perspective by focusing on people’s personal stories rather than stereotypes, especially through the experiences of Rebecca and Jackie. I also demonstrate empathy through my direct outreach work, where I stop to talk, listen, learn names, and offer help, showing that I see people experiencing homelessness as individuals deserving dignity. Additionally, I frame homelessness as a systemic issue, not a moral failing, and use inclusive language like “under the same New Mexico sky” to emphasize shared humanity and connection.

If I were to recreate this project in the future, I would include more first‑person voices from people currently experiencing homelessness, possibly through longer interviews or multiple perspectives, to deepen authenticity. I would also spend more time examining specific policy outcomes by following individuals over time to show what helps or hinders long‑term stability. Finally, I would strengthen the project by incorporating reflections from service providers and outreach workers alongside lived experiences, creating a fuller picture of how systems, compassion, and individual resilience intersect.

The most difficult part of composing my narrative was keeping the essay organized and managing the citations and reference page. With a mix of research, personal stories, and policy analysis, it was challenging to maintain a clear structure while correctly formatting sources. I overcame this by revising the essay multiple times, organizing sections more deliberately, and double‑checking citations to ensure everything was clearly presented and properly credited.