By Leslie Eddy
I have just 14 class days left in my entire college experience. For the most part, I'll be happy to leave.
But I've noticed over the past couple of weeks how many amazing students I'll be leaving behind here at UP - students who see a need and work tirelessly to address it.
One of my fellow Shipstad RAs, Briana Hodge, is putting together a three-day event called Slavery Still Exists. Born in her own mind and carried out under her own initiative, her week-long awareness campaign about Human Trafficking is addressing a present, pertinent issue that I don't think many on this campus yet understand.
Most people, when they hear about Human Trafficking, think about sex slaves in India or Cambodia. While this is certainly a real problem in those countries, the U.S. - Portland, believe it or not - presents a problem as well. There are around 300,000 children sexually trafficked within the United States every year, with three to five new cases of sex trafficking every week in Portland alone.
Brianna is doing her part to help people around her learn, understand and accept that it is a real and very prevalent issue here in Portland.
The week will focus on educating and inspiring UP students through real personal stories, documentaries, speakers and reflective activities.
Modern-day slavery will not go unnoticed during this week - her Slavery Still Exists program will hopefully create an everlasting and motivating impression that will move people to act towards helping these vulnerable and innocent individuals.
The funds raised from selling T-shirts for the event ($5 each) will all go towards a fund that was started to help build a holistic rehabilitation shelter here in Portland for survivors of sex trafficking.
I had no idea that sex trafficking was such a problem in Portland. My conversations with Bri have made me realize that this lack of awareness is exactly the problem.
So, I'll be among the people wearing orange shirts and ribbons throughout the week to raise awareness and to honor all who are enslaved.
If you see me, stop me and ask me about it! I'll invite you to come listen, learn and live, and begin to understand how to help the nearly 12.7 million who are currently enslaved.
Leslie Eddy is a senior
biology major
