The Hummingbird Project: Human Trafficking Anonymous

When I am overwhelmed, I remember the words of Wangari Maathai, environmental and political activist. Maathai tells the story of the hummingbird who, when faced with a massive forest fire, carries small drops of water in its beak to extinguish it. The other animals stand by discouragingly, saying that the fire is too big and can’t be put out. The hummingbird pauses for a moment and says, “I am doing the best I can.” Maathai says, “I will be a hummingbird,” and like her, I too will be a hummingbird. In my fight against human trafficking, I learned that my effort may be small, but it is still important.

Freshman year, when I heard the fact that there are approximately 27 million people enslaved today, I knew I had to do something about it. This led me to join the club Students Against Modern Slavery (SAMS) where I learned about trafficking in the chocolate industry, the sex trafficking of youth, and that modern day slavery exists all around us.

I joined the SAMS leadership team my sophomore year. We made a goal to educate our school community about trafficking and how to combat it. Since then, every other Tuesday I stand in front of the few members who consistently come and present the activity for the day. I work to inspire our...