ABSTRACT
Something peculiar happened the other day while reviewing my research with first-generation, low-income college students: I cried. It was unexpected, as I have been engaged in emotionally charged work for many years and have become accustomed to keeping my emotions in check. My professional experiences include human service and education roles in both rural and urban settings, predominantly with people living in poverty. I have worked with homeless youth and families, gang-affiliated and incarcerated youth, drug-addicted youth and adults, people nearing death due to complications from HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and other vulnerable populations.
