Greetings from Kara

So, here I am on break during our weekend intensive just weeks before we venture off to Tanzania.

I am filled with all sorts of emotions as the time gets closer. Honestly, when I first applied to lead this trip I thought it was probably a bad idea for me, and throughout the year I have had many times where I just wanted to cry, but as the time grows nearer and things start to fall into place I am getting more and more excited and more at ease with my decision.

I will just introduce a little about myself and what motivated me to want to lead this trip to Africa, focusing on HIV/AIDS and childhood hunger issues.

My name is Kara Casey, I am 21 years old and a senior here at Johnson State, graduating in a couple of weeks, I am from Massachusetts. I consider myself an activist, although sometimes quiet and withdrawn. my main reason for wanting to go on this trip was my passion for HIV/AIDS issues. I started work as an intern at Vermont CARES (the states largest AIDS service org.) in 2005, and have since taken a position there as a Program Assistant. I cannot really say how this passion came about, probably because of the strong connection between HIV/AIDS and the queer community. But when given the opportunity to propose a trip I knew that I didn't want to lead again unless it was going to Africa working on HIV/AIDS issues.

Although I have never had a strong desire to go to Africa, I do realize that I cannot truly understand the issue until I understand it on a global level. I hope that the work the group participates in in Usa River helps me to better understand this pandemic. I feel as though working with such a different population will help me to be more competant in the field that I hope to continue in for years to come, and that I will be able to educate and share my experiences with all those that i come in contact here. The connection needs to happen in our minds, HIV/AIDS is not a African problem, it is a societal problem, a world issue and it is only when we understand this that we can begin to understand the virus, and how to effectively combat it.

See you in Africa!

Peace,

Kara