As busy high schoolers, we seldom worry about strangers. When we pass a homeless person, we avert our eyes. But a group of AHS students have created a non-profit organization that is working to change this. Juniors Alex Hong, Alex Huang, Derek Jing, Nixon Tran and Vanadium Wang are the founders of THE M, short for The Humanity Effect of the Misunderstood. THE M aims to “assist the unfortunate not only by providing them with basic necessities, but also by shedding the negative connotation associated with them,” according to junior Alex Hong.

These five Apaches approach homeless individuals, speak with them and post parts of their intriguing conversations on THE M’s various social media outlets. Alex shared that he and his friends do so “in hopes of portraying these people in their true light” and to challenge inaccurate social stereotypes. The organization currently reaches out to indivudals located in Old Town Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles, but Alex stated that THE M plans to broaden its range to those in “homeless shelters… and as far as Santa Monica.”

What started as an idea between a group of students has turned into a full fledged organization nobly dedicated to not only help but also to bring to light the real struggles of the less fortunate. Stories and photographs captured by THE M can be found on Instagram via @themlosangeles as well as THE M Los Angeles Facebook page. Best of luck to this truly committed team of AHS students.

Photo courtesy of VANADIUM WANG