A few days ago we had the opportunity to visit a rural elementary school. I knew going into the school that the visit would tug at my heart strings, but I didn't really know what to expect. As we walked in, the entire school came out of their classrooms into the open courtyard. The principal was overjoyed to introduce us to the teachers and students and show us the school's facilities. He shook each of our hands and then invited us to integrate into the students to take a picture.

It is freezing cold in Minnesota! I am a native Minnesotan and should be used to the frigid temperatures, but according to my family, my time in Washington has made me weak! I am surviving, mostly due to the trusty heat that warms my cozy house, but also because my mind is immersed in the world of South Africa.

As a Social Work and Spanish major, I am fascinated by issues of injustice, conflict, and poverty and how social services interact with these issues. From my beginning research of South African history and culture over the past few months, I know that this experience will introduce me to many new thoughts and challenges.