2015: Participant for hunger and homelessness in washington, d.c.
During my first year at Hamline, I went out on a limb and applied for Catalyst Alternative Breaks after hearing my dormmates discussing how one of the trips experienced homelessness for two days. I did not expect much from the trip, but more looked at it as a way to dabble in new topics while avoiding going back to the suburbs for my spring break. Less than a week later, I received news that I was accepted into the program of my choice that would inevitably change my career goals and life view in ways that I couldn't have imagined.
As a participant, I attended one or two pre-trip meetings as well as a half-day orientation session before leaving for a week to explore the issue of homelessness. My group participated in the 48 hour homelessness plunge for the first two days, which changed many of our viewpoints and acted as a foundation for service the rest of the week. Through volunteering, tours, and reflection, my group reflected on systemic issues of homelessness and how our identities interact with these. You can read more about our experiences by visiting our blog. |