Julia is a rising Sophomore who is working with Sanctuary for Families, an organization providing shelter, advocacy and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
As a New York City native, I approached my Duke Engage experience with a particular excitement. Rather than anticipating the thrill of craziness and confusion from being in a new place with new people, I found myself eager to see my city from a different perspective.
While my trek from 63rd to 13th street certainly changed my visual outlook, I see the Moxie experience as an opportunity to create various niches beyond the realm of my comfort zone. My life in New York City, thus far, has been one of privilege; I have received an extraordinary education and have been supported by friends and family along the way. This summer, my work at Sanctuary For Families will give me insight into lives of women vastly different from my own.
Already, I have heard the stories of victims who have been abused physically, financially, and emotionally by their domestic partners. As I hear these accounts, I begin to see snapshots of my own life racing through my head and think, “this is not fair, this is not right.” Why such inequity? Why such a gap? Already these questions have flooded my mind and continue dwell with no answers or responses.
