Yes, it is common for classmates or schoolmates to need help due to various circumstances. Examples of such support include classmates defending a peer in gym class, Frederick Douglass learning to read with the aid of other children, and students providing safe escorts in the face of discrimination.
It is not uncommon to come across situations where classmates or schoolmates have needed help due to challenging circumstances. Many students from working-class families may struggle with completing assignments on time because of financial responsibilities, poor study environments, and lack of access to technology, such as not having a home computer or printer. On the other hand, students may also face discrimination or feel unsupported in school settings, as evidenced by certain stories. One involves a student's discomfort with a gym class activity and feeling embarrassed, but their classmates intervene and support them, showing solidarity.
In the story of Frederick Douglass, a young enslaved boy with a deep thirst for knowledge demonstrates resilience and ingenuity. Douglass cleverly forms friendships with white boys he meets, who unknowingly help him learn to read. In exchange for bread, these boys provide him with the 'bread of knowledge,' illustrating how one can find assistance in unexpected places and turn adversaries, like systemic slavery, into avenues for empowerment.
Another story shows how a group of students telephoned their peers to offer escort and safety when facing discrimination, but Elizabeth Eckford was left out due to not having a phone. This shows the importance of community support in overcoming barriers and the need to be proactive in offering help to others who might be in difficult situations. These narratives serve as valuable lessons on the significance of support systems and resourcefulness in overcoming adversities.