Tess Emanuel, a high school senior from McLean, Virginia, embarked on a transformative journey by volunteering in Kenya, where she engaged with young criminal offenders. Motivated by a desire to help others, she spent two summers working with a nonprofit organization, Better Me, at the Kisumu Children's Remand Home, focused on education and life skills for at-risk youth. Through her volunteer work, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by these young offenders, gaining insights into the harsh realities of sentencing practices in different countries.

Her experience in Kisumu not only allowed her to provide support to the young people in the facility but also changed her perspective on American justice systems. She expressed a newfound appreciation for the privileges and opportunities available to her in the United States, revealing the stark contrasts between the lives of those she worked with in Kenya and her own. Emanuel's dedication to service highlights the importance of understanding global issues of justice and rehabilitation, encouraging others to consider their roles in advocating for change.

Emanuel's reflections also serve as a call for gratitude among Americans, suggesting that awareness of the challenges faced by youth offenders in other countries should inspire a deeper commitment to addressing local issues within the United States. Her story exemplifies how volunteering abroad can lead to personal growth and a broader awareness of global inequalities, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue about justice and the well-being of young people worldwide.