Having grown up in Swaziland, I learned the history of apartheid. I came on this trip thinking I might learn a thing or two, but was very surprised by how much I learned and how much I had to unlearn. It’s not the job of minorities or people of color to identify the racism, the systemic injustices and oppression. That is on us to find creative ways of stopping counteracting those. I’m returning home with a renewed sense that what I do and how I interact in the world make a difference.

At the Homeless Prenatal Program, more than half the staff are former clients that have moved up to be case managers and service providers. I am truly humbled every day by my co-workers’ and clients’ stories of perseverance, hope and strength, as well as their continued humility and service.