Those who know Towson women's soccer defender Maddi Ferrara understand that her talents go far beyond the field. The junior transfer from Harford Community College has always had an overwhelming desire to help others and has been proactive in finding solutions to combat problems facing those in need.

During her time at North Harford High School in Pylesville, Md., Ferrara began counseling peers that lost loved ones and friends in tragic car accidents. She also had a close friend that became the victim of cyberbullying and worked with clubs and organizations to attack a wide array of issues facing adolescents such as drug abuse awareness, alcohol awareness, bullying, and suicide prevention.

For Ferrara, the issues associated with bullying really struck a chord.

"A lot of suicides are due to bullying," Ferrara said. "Nobody sees it as a real issue. What people say can be horrific."

But high school was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

Ferrara made the transfer to Towson in August. While jogging through the city one afternoon, a boy at a bus stop started conversation when she paused to catch her breath. He wore clean khakis, a nice pair of Converse shoes, and a backpack that she assumed was for his school supplies. But after they began talking, she realized that her assumptions were wrong; the boy was homeless and had run away to escape physical abuse from his parents. Ferrara found this to be particularly alarming considering the boy was just a few years younger than her.

"We stereotype homelessness as people in ragged clothes, pushing around grocery carts, but these kids look just like us," said Ferrara. "My parents are my rocks. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. If I was in that situation I would probably give up. I wouldn't know what to do."

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, as many as 1.6 million youth per year experience homelessness. Ferrara says that there are over 3,000 homeless youth enrolled in Baltimore County public schools, more than three times the amount of the surrounding counties combined.

Like the boy she met, many of these children are attempting to better their lives and escape dangerous living conditions but lack the resources necessary to thrive in an educational setting.

Ferrara believes if these children are empowered, they will succeed, and compares gaining confidence to soccer.

"Once you get that confidence in the first five minutes you are revved up and ready to go," she said. That's just life in general. When you get confidence to do something, you are ready. Many of these kids are ready to take on the world at a young age. Giving them a chance for an education and getting a degree, no doubt in my mind they would do it."

At the beginning of the semester, Ferrara received an assignment in her Advanced Informational Writing class to come up with an idea that could better the community surrounding Towson University.

This was a no brainer for Ferrara. She wanted to use the University as an outlet for homeless youth in Baltimore and give them an opportunity to gain an education.

"I offered an idea that Towson University supports six to ten homeless kids," said Ferrara. "We can give them their life back."

Last week, Ferrara met with Promise Place, an organization within the Sasha Bruce Youthwork network founded with the intention of helping suburban street kids and out-of-town runaways in the Georgetown and Dupont Circle areas of Washington D.C. She believes that their backing will aid her efforts as she prepares to submit her plan to the Towson administration.

"We are kind of in the beginning stages, said Ferrara. "Towson University isn't this experienced qualifier on homelessness. This organization has been doing this for over 40 years, so having their support and experience will be a valuable resource."

Ferrara submitted a 26-page proposal outlining the details of the plan, including where the program would take place, how applicants would be selected, and how Towson students can assist through internships and educational programs.

From now until the end of the semester, she will work tirelessly to meet with local groups and organizations that support her cause. Ferrara understands that in order for a plan of this magnitude to be implemented, she has to have credibility. Her Advanced Writing professor is helping Ferrara to set up meetings with the Towson board where she will present her proposal in May.  

She knows it won't be easy, but is determined to fight for her cause.

"Everybody has great ideas," said Ferrara.  "In the beginning, when I tried emailing people they didn't take me seriously. I want to be that person that helps someone's idea come true."