So far as an Intern at the Homeless Youth Shelter, I have learned a lot about how to be a positive role model, provide resources and raise awareness of the structural causes of homelessness. I have been lucky to work with diverse staff who care about the youth and see the societal issues that force youth into unhealthy and dangerous situations. All of the staff always encourage the youth and never blame them.  The youth are given a safe space where they can learn, play, have fun and fully be themselves without being judged. Many of the youth share everyday that they are grateful to be at the shelter in such a supportive community. This month the youth had the opportunity to go to Sacramento to support youth by participating in legislative visits with some of our state representatives and participate in the California Coalition for Youth Taking Action Conference for 2014. Staff come with great knowledge to share such as Just heard a great presentation by John Doe the director of FYSB. He had an inspiring story of growing up in the projects and now the director of all federal funding for homeless youth projects. Now we get to have a round table discussion to ask the hard questions.”   One of the shelter staff shared with me that some youth are “expected” to follow a certain path based upon family history, socioeconomic status, and many other factors. This does not have to be the case. One way to abate human trafficking is by having higher hopes and dreams for our youth.  There is always more to the story. We so often hear people who mindlessly judge youth for being promiscuous based upon what is on the surface. Another staff member shared with me her personal story as a survivor of human trafficking and  now travels to conferences, events and schools to educate people! The shelter staff  are continually striving to build bridges between themselves, the youth and their families which begins with basic respect and finding commonalities. It’s nice to see kids who are going through so much, just relax and be kids once in awhile. As an intern I have had the privilege to lead spoken word/poetry and art therapy groups with the youth. So far the youth have loved these groups, and have opened up their hearts with each other.  The youth have thanked me for being supportive, listening and treating them with equal respect. The youth are very creative and have a lot of inspiring wisdom and support to give each other. Through working with the youth I have learned a lot from them.  It is inspiring to hear them share their goals, dreams, values and beliefs. Recently I have been doing research for a Resource Binder that is used to provide resources to the youth after they leave the Shelter. I hope the youth continue to participate in  programs, groups and communities which will support them in following their goals and dreams. Its painful knowing that when the youth leave many of them are going back to horrible and messy situations without family support. All of the youth have case managers cell phone numbers and are encouraged to call whenever they just need someone to talk to or need help to get out a situation. All of the staff, who I have had long conversations with see the structural causes of homelessness and do not blame the youth. I feel proud to work for this organization and will continue to next year until I graduate.