Last Day Feelings...

So it's our last day of service on our Alternative Break in D.C. and everyone's a little exhausted, a little sore, and a bit smelly, but the group also has this awesome positive aura. The energy has entirely transformed since the first day we all arrived in D.C.. Instead of the anxious and rather awkward looks exchanged between our team on the first night of discussion, excitement and passion are evident when catching someones gaze from across the classroom during our final reflection.

One thing I noticed on this trip is the way a group of people interacts and grows. On Sunday we all could barely take a picture without feeling the uncomfortableness, but now at the end of the week, we can barely keep from hugging each other when something emotional is said. Not only that but our team successfully educated two classrooms full of high school students at Thurgood Marshall Academy on the issue of Human Trafficking. To me that not only shows group connectivity but immense growth in the knowledge about the issue. I've personally witnessed the growth 16 amazing individuals over the past 6 days.

The emotional connections we've all built on this trip isn't even half of the success though. Speaking a little about community activism, I can say we all contributed as best as we could to combat the issue of Human Trafficking. We not only grew as a team emotionally, but as educated community activists. The AB trip gave us an environment, in which anything seemed possible. It was a totally judgement free zone; we all felt as if we could share our opinions and feelings on the topic freely. Additionally, when becoming more aware on one social issue, like human trafficking, you consequently, become more aware and active in dealing with other social issues as well. The entire trip was a great opportunity to focus oneself on the social issues that surround us everyday and realization that if you aren't a part of the solution you're most likely a part of the problem.

On the last day of the AB trip in D.C. one additional thing really sticks out to me as quintessential to the trip's success: our trip leaders. The level to which our trip leaders performed their roles exceeded all expectations I had. From cracking jokes at metro stops, to channeling our groups emotions into a well led discussion, and putting up with all complaints well mannerly and unclogging toilets our group leaders ensured our trip's absolute success. Each one of the leaders offered something different and encouraged everyone at all times to keep their heads up and be positive in the face of such a cumbersome issue.

- Ben