During my first undergraduate experience, I had the opportunity to take a Human Trafficking course that dove deep into the topics that were covered in the presentation we had in the most recent accelerated integrated experience class. Although the broader topics discussed during this presentation were not new to me, the details regarding the presence of human trafficking in Maine was eye opening and interesting to learn about. I also felt that the presenter was engaging and able to hold the classes attention throughout the entirety of his discussion. Students were able to ask questions during the presentation, not just at the end, which shows how knowledgeable and passionate he was in teaching us about what human trafficking actually is. Based on the course I took in the past, I knew that human trafficking was not just selling women for sex work; I remember being shocked a few years ago when I took that course to learn that there is human labor trafficking as well. Although the details of the film we were shown are hazy in my memory, I distinctly remember that there is a huge issue of labor trafficking in the tomato crop industry. This presentation also discussed farm workers being sold or forces into labor trafficking, as well as other businesses we encounter on a day to day basis such as restaurants and medical facilities. It made me realize that there is a handful of businesses in Portland, ME alone that I could suspect of being involved in some sort of labor trafficking due to the majority of their staff being immigrants or refugees from other countries. I would only hope that these companies are paying their workers fair wages, but labor trafficking seems to be a lot more apparent than any of us would like to believe. 

Another part of the presentation that spoke the most to me was learning how to speak to victims of human trafficking. As a future nurse, not only is it important to know how to talk to your patients and be personable, but it is also important to know how to communicate with patients who are experiencing this type of trauma. I hope to work in women’s health once I get my degree in nursing, and practicing trauma-informed care while working in this field is very important. During a previous semester, we learned in simulation lab in order to get the patient to disclose personal information, it is best to build rapport by asking the simple and less invasive questions first. The presenter spoke of similar tactics and said it is best if questions are asking in a safe and private place. Overall, I think understanding the situation that these victims are in can help improve their quality of treatment.