Hey everyone, my name is Fatima and I am a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. I love sports and as a result, I am majoring in Kinesiology. After undergrad, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health. I think this trip is relevant to what I want to do in my future because I love to help others. Populations that are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS is something I am not familiar, so I am eager to see what this experience has to offer in order for me to learn and grow!

Saturday was an interesting day to say the least. On a rainy day, we pack our bags to New York to be welcomed by rain, traffic and tremendous confusion. After hours of traveling on the infamous NY subway system, we reached our destination at the Jan Hus Presbyterian Church. The church staff welcomed us with open arms and greeted us with direction. After endless walking, Jan Hus had a surprise in store for us – five more flights of stairs. All members including myself, finally found relief when we entered the place we were calling home for the week. Eager and curious, we explored our surroundings and learned more about the building located at 531 E 74th Street. Our real first bonding event, was paired up with famous New York style pizza in a variety of yummy toppings. The end of this welcoming dinner marked our first day in the city that never sleeps.