Today is definitely bittersweet. I've had the most amazing time on this trip, and just can't stand knowing that this week is coming to an end. We really did finish it strong though by spending the afternoon at the Smoky Mountains. We hiked to Abrams Falls. The view the entire way was beyond beautiful. The best part though was spending our last day with each other just having fun. Sitting at the top of the falls was a great reminder of just how precious every day is in this great big beautiful world.
At the beginning of the trip when we all piled into the van for out seven hour car ride (aka bonding session and dance party) I was so nervous about how the week would go. I can now confidently answer the Sam's question though; yes we are going to be friends. I cannot imagine a better group of people to have shared this experience with.
This trip was easily the most impactful experience of my two years at Maryland. Immersing myself in everything Knoxville had to offer has been great. There are so many systems here in place to tackle domestic violence that I would love to see in Maryland. Working at the YWCA and Phyllis Wheatley Center especially opened my eyes to how important it is to act locally. The trip has also been so personally empowering. Tonight we all wrote down ways that we can continue making a difference and becoming educated when we return to College Park. Some of us want to be peer educators, some want to find a local YWCA, and some of us want to be more involved in the legal system. No matter which path we take, what we learned this week will definitely stick with us.
As we continue our journeys through college, I know this trip will always hold a special place in my heart. It very much challenged my ideas about the legal system, how our government looks at women, fairness, justice, and judgement. It has also given me invaluable friendships. At school it is so easy to get caught up in meetings and homework, and stop learning. Going back though, I feel inspired to really live out each day and learn. We are capable of making a change and finding happiness only if we live every moment to its fullest potential.
Thank you Club Knox for everything you have taught me. The warm and fuzzies are never ending <3
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