“If we get lucky, it won’t get too cold!” These were the first words that would jinx only part of our operation. Unknown to me, the temperature that would follow us from that Friday night to that early Saturday morning would only be two degrees.

     The “Chill Out” was one of many ideas that our Monroe High Interact Club has come up with all year long. However, we felt this would not only have an impact on all who participated, but on anyone who read about it or was there to witness our determination.

     When first arriving to Monroe High School, we were building our box houses in the commons, soon only to move them out into the cold in front of the main entrance. Everyone helped one another form homes and groups, keeping each other warm and company through the cold night that was sure to ensue.

     Thankfully, we were able to have burn barrels on the school grounds. The wood, which was donated to Interact, was from an advisor of a group that helps and supports the homeless in Toledo. He was enthusiastic to hear what many teenagers were planning on doing on their Friday night and invited Interact to continue spreading homelessness awareness by helping his group feed the homeless of Toledo.

     Without our electronic devices, many students either crowded around the burn barrels or huddled in their boxes. Those of us who decided to stay out as long as we could, stood huddled together and as close to the flames as we could get. We told stories, and talked about the latest news. Some of us even started talking about what it would be like to have to do something like this all the time. Trying to keep warm, thinking about where your next meal would come from, and even trying to find things to entertain yourself was difficult!

     As for the people who went into their boxes, they either slept or talked about the same things. Most people who would, or are, living the homeless life may certainly not have had as many blankets as us, or as many friendly faces to talk to. We imagined that this would leave one alone and scared about what could happen tomorrow.       

     By 11 a.m everyone, was in his/her box for the night, either still sharing stories or trying to get some actual sleep before life carried on as normal the following day. Many people had work, sporting events, or even parties to attend for Christmas.

     Many people were capable of falling asleep, but as it grew later in the night, and even to the following morning, the temperature changed drastically. It being only two degrees, many people started going into the main building and falling asleep on the floor. The last group of students came in as late as 4 a.m.            

     Even though the main entrance floor was not as bad as the cold outdoors, the cold, hard floor of the school wasn’t much better. And to make matters even more interesting, there was a wrestling competition going on at 7 a.m., which means many, if not all, of the Interact students were awaken by the sound of students and parents entering and exiting the building.

     Now not only were some students cranky, but many of them wanted to go home. We all missed our beds, showers, warm food, and most of all, we missed our families. Living out for one night made many of us realize that we are so lucky to have what we have. No matter how rough things can get during these teenage years, we are lucky to have parents who will ground us and siblings who bug the heck out of us.

     I cannot speak for everyone who participated in the “Chill Out” but I can tell you that I am thankful that I could have this experience. I have taken so much away from this experience, and these are things that I will never forget.