Day 2...Teach me how to Dougie, teach, teach me how to Dougie!

Our day at: 

Hello family and friends of UMD ASB DC trip,

I’m here reflecting on today’s events with my fellow DC ASBer, Sayi, about a fun-filled day we’ve enjoyed with survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking we met through Courtney’s House.  Courtney’s House is a DC based non-governmental organization established to address and fight against sex trafficking of minors.  They provide a safe haven for victims of sex trafficking through social services, counseling, and legal referrals. 

What we anticipated to be a day filled with traumatic and core-shaking stories and first-hand encounters, ended up being a day filled with crafts, baking, and channeling our middle school spirit for a dance party—learning how to “dougie.” 

Prior to making our way over to a community based location for today’s event, we were thoroughly briefed on the issue of sex-trafficking occurring in the heart of our nation.  The average age of girls forced into sex trafficking is 12 and 14. The average age of boys forced into sex trafficking is between 6 and 10.  In some cases, children first enter into the “game” through family members. 

As you can see the nature of our topic “Human Trafficking” isn’t so light.  However, today, instead of thinking about the issue, we were able to hang out with kids who share some of the same interests and goals as we do. 

So Sayi and I asked each other a few questions that we thought summarized our day.  For all of us on the trip, today was a refreshing day to be remembered for the rest of our lives.  After all, how many of us remember the last time they sat around making friendship bracelets, painting, baking cookies, and laughing so hard?   Because when we think back, no matter how different we are as individuals and where in life we’ve been, stupid YouTube videos are funny, and learning how to dougie is so hip. 

Sayi: What surprised you the most about the participants?

Hyo: They are just kids.  Just like us.  If anything, they were more filled with energy and life than any of us from the trip.  They loved hanging out, singing, and just having a good time.  It wasn’t until after the day was over and when we were reminded that they were survivors that I remembered about their lives. 

Hyo: What will you take away from today’s activity?

Sayi: The biggest thing that stuck out to me from our discussions today was when the founder told us that although we come from different places, classes, etc; that anyone can be a victim of sex trafficking because no matter your walk of life, as humans we can all be manipulated. That really stood out to me, because I began to think of myself in middle school (close to the average age of entry), and what I would have done if I were in the same situation as some of the people we met today. I just think of how vulnerable and easily influenced we are at that age and that made the issue more real. We’re not talking about adults here, these are children, and that made the issue scary.

Hyo: How did your perspective/ view on minor sex-trafficking change after today’s activity?

Sayi: Today, I learned how frustrating the issue is for those who advocate against it.  Our discussion with the founder of Courtney’s House opened up my eyes as to just how much the staff at the organization puts in to the cause.  Lack of federal law, funding, and awareness is greatly evident in what the staff have to deal with.  There is not much support on this issue in terms of government, so they have to rely on themselves, their skills, and support from their communities to fulfill their mission statement.  It truly takes a passionate person to work in this field, both in hands-on aspects and the energy they put into it.

Sayi: What do you think we can do as college students?

Hyo: Learn. I think that college students are a perfect group of individuals that are able to learn about issues and share with others. I believe if college students put their minds and passion to this issue we can push for change. Also, by virtue of being on the same campus we already have our audience.

When we arrived at Courtney’s House, one of the staff asked Hyo and I how we liked our experience so far. Today was our first chance at having our experience real and right in front of us. It’s one thing to watch documentaries and read articles and books, but seeing the center and interacting with the survivors and staff gave us a whole new perspective on the matter. We were able to ask questions and get honest feedback, which enabled us to learn things that we otherwise would not have been able to.

We’re anticipating the rest of our trip to be as eye opening as today.

And as fun as the crazy games we play...