For two months, Bridges and her four youngest children lived in a cramped, bare room in a local homeless shelter. Juggling school, family and the dreary living situation was difficult, and Bridges was forced to drop a class. Even today, four years later, the sound of her voice grows contemptuous at the memory. I didn't want that to become a part of them. I want them to know that life is real out there, but I don't want them exposed.
Bridges is all too familiar with the real world.
After living in Chicago for 15 years, she learned to remain alert and cautiously guarded. You make yourself a victim when you let your guard down. Rose Brewer, chairwoman of the African- American studies department, once told Bridges she ought to receive a Ph.D. for street saviness. For security's sake, she foregoes purses and never leaves home without a leather fanny pack cinched around her waist. Fashion aesthetics not forgotten, she owns one for casual trips and another for more formal occasions.