At our first retreat, we were asked to share personal experiences that shaped who we are. I did not expect to open up that day; I don’t like to speak up in a large group, but the room felt safe and supportive.
So, I talked about how I have worked on a chicken farm from a young age. I shared how it made me appreciate and understand some of the daily challenges my parents had to face. Waking up early, working in the heat, and realizing how little companies care about their employees. It made me feel invisible like my labor did not matter.
I thought I was the only one in the group facing the problem, but I realized something as other people shared their stories. People who seemed so confident and put together had similar or worse struggles than me. That moment challenged me. It reminded me that pain doesn't always show and that I wasn't alone in what I had experienced. For the first time, I felt seen.
As the program went on, I started thinking about where I came from. My parents worked long hours, and never had the chance to finish school. I saw college as a way to break out of the cycle and create a path for me, my parents, and my community.
SAF helped me learn that our history and struggles are not something to hide; they are the reason to push forward.