By Tristan Cassel,
Editor-in-Chief

This Holiday season Anacapa Village R.A. and Usawa Student Union President Tyderyon Neal is leading a small grassroots movement to bring awareness to the valiant efforts of the Ventura County Rescue Mission.

The Ventura County Rescue mission is based out of Oxnard, California where they feed the local homeless population every day besides Sunday. They also offer a housing and drug recovery program for men that are attempting to kick drug addictions.

Tyderyon first found out about the work that the Ventura County Rescue mission is doing this past summer while he was in R.A. training. He and his team of Resident Assistants joined together to be an example to the local community and especially to the college population that before you can lead and be in the forefront, you must be comfortable with taking a back seat.

He and his R.A. team joined together to serve those that are in need, because that is what leaders do. On his experience, Tyderyon said the following,

“This experience was the most rewarding of my entire life. I have had the opportunity to work with poor, underserved youth that look like me, but never have I felt as humbled and proud as I felt that day where I was given the opportunity to lead by serving. It is a charge that I give to all CI student leaders. Take a step up by taking a step down.”

Although the end of the semester is drawing nigh, Tyderyon is attempting to squeeze in another day of service that he is extending to all members of the Channel Islands Community.  Tyderyon said,

“Before we take off and fill our bellies and open our gifts this year I am challenging my fellow student leaders and students that are looking for a way to make a difference to simply give a little bit of their time. You can make a difference by stepping into the kitchen to prepare meals for the homeless. You can brighten their day by taking their plate or filling their cup.

You can be a leader by serving those that are oftentimes looked over and ostracized. I know that the end of the semester is drawing nigh but we are trying to go down to the Ventura County Rescue Mission on December 5th and feed the homeless for the 2 times that are available.”

If you would like to join Ty and help make a difference you can contact him by phone at (310) 977-4350, or email  at tyderyon17@yahoo.com.