The Journeys to School Project I worked on earlier this year planned an exhibition of the work in Boston. To represent the host city, I was commissioned to shoot a photo story about the physical and emotional journey of students with severe developmental disabilities on their way to the Carter School in the morning. The Carter School borders Boston’s South End and caters specifically to students with these severe disabilities. During my time there, I spent the most time with K.C., a sweet 20 year-old girl known to sing to herself all day long. I also spent a morning with Abbi, the 12 year-old son of Eritrean immigrants with a thousand-watt smile. After accompanying these kids to school, I couldn’t help but stick around all day and shoot the classes at Carter School. They help with music therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy — Carter School offers just about every kind of therapy you could imagine. Getting to know all the students and the staff was incredible. It was one of those undeniable feel-good projects.

Kassandra Mendes | Carter School | Journeys to School | Boston,