It didn't take long before I was all settled and ready to mingle in my new environment. I was surprisingly full of life and bustling with energy I didn't know I had. Too excited even. Maybe it's because I'm here now, and it turns out it's not as bad as I thought. If anything, it could literally pass as a free vacation since all our bills will be paid for. I couldn't ask for anything better.

I had such a good night's rest, and I felt refreshed by morning. My roommate had gone back to being “dumb” and I was fine with that.

I loved everything about the shelter already,...