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Homeless Students From New York Visit Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A group of homeless high school students from New York visited Philadelphia on Sunday as part of a program that helps young people in transition.

For some, the all-inclusive trip was a life-changing experience.

"I think it's wonderful. A lot of us haven't come outside of New York. And we never saw mummies. Some of us didn't even know it existed and it's wonderful. It's one of my wildest dreams," said 21-year-old Shakeima Johnson.

"These are all homeless teens, but they are now in transitional, independent living programs, which means they have made it all the way through the crisis part of being homeless and young in New York City into a transitional program that will transition them into independent living in the city," explained Marie Martin with the Student Youth Travel Association."

"I love it so far. I mean this trip is very exciting. I love it. It's inspiration. I'm learning a lot," said 21-year-old Hermon Joseph.

The Philly tour included a visit to the Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and Ben Franklin's grave – and wrapped up the day on the Spirit of Philadelphia.

Reported by Suzanne Monaghan, KYW Newsradio.

 

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