The tour happened a lot smoother than I thought it would and I also enjoyed it a lot more too. I could tell that our story partners from the detention center were happy and excited to be on campus. Even just watching them take photos in front of Queally, the lake, and other places was heartwarming to watch. I think we take all of this for granted sometimes. It is such a beautiful campus, which is amplified by the fact that they are secluded in the same building for so long. Nowadays, I walk past the lake without much of a second glance, but I know it must have been breathtaking for them. I also noticed how engaged and interested they were in the Book Arts Studio making their booklets. I wasn’t sure if this would be something they’d enjoy, but it seemed like they genuinely did like the arts and crafts aspect of the activity. Plus, it gave them another chance to share their stories.

When we handed out the booklets of everyone’s stories, my story partner and another were looking through it and seemed proud of their own stories being inside it. I guess seeing it in such an official-looking document was a great feeling for them. It was nice to watch them play basketball and just be teenagers, which is also something I think we all take for granted. I had a conversation with one of them and he asked me what I was majoring in, and then I asked him what he’s interested in. He dove into a deep discussion about real estate and housing facts that I had a hard time following. But it gives me joy to know that he’s so passionate about something when I myself am having a hard time narrowing down my passions. It was surreal to see them on campus, but it was so nice watching them thrive in this new environment and it gives me hope for what comes next for them.