Finals

The past week has seen Rakeb consumed in making up missing assignments and studying for finals. This coming week is the last week of her first semester, and she is feeling the pressure to say the least. Nothing like having to maintain a C average to keep your visa while dealing with courses like Advanced Algebra, Honors Biology, US History, Spanish, and two Lit classes. So send good vibes her way this week, as the only thing keeping her sane right now is the fact that we are heading out for a two week vacation when she finishes.

Don't let the smile fool you. Finals are stressful!

iEmpathize

As many of you know, I work for an organization called iEmpathize. We are working to eradicate child exploitation and sex trafficking. Every day I am surrounded by stories of neglect, abuse, and victimization that are happening here in the United States, and Colorado. It breaks my heart, and that is why I  must do something to respond.

Being responsible for a beautiful 18-year old girl, while being so aware of the dangers that she intersects with at school, in malls, online, etc... is completely humbling! I am probably a bit overprotective because of my line of work, so my best attempt to help Rakeb understand that is to drag her to as many iEmpathize events as I can to hear for herself what threats are out there, and how she can avoid them.

Amanda, Rakeb, & I at the most recent iEmpathize event