In the CARA job-training program, Margie is hungry for knowledge and eager to participate in her studies. She takes copious notes and never hesitates to ask questions. I can see her sense of self-worth returning. I was lucky to meet Margie at a time when she was ready to take control over her life. I spent time riding with her to CARA, and met many people in the same situation. I realize now that being homeless is nothing like the fantasy sleeping on the street, wearing shabby clothes, begging for money. The homeless people I met looked just like me. 1999

Donna Ferrato made this black and white photograph of Margie during a job training program. What strikes me about this image is its texture. The graininess of the film gives the whole scene a kind of raw, documentary feel, like you’re right there in the room with her. Look at Margie’s sweater – you can almost feel the little ribs of the knit. And then there's the smooth, almost luminous quality of her skin, compared to the rougher surfaces of the desks and papers. The contrast in textures really makes her stand out. That hand raised high—it’s not just a gesture, but a symbol of her determination. Ferrato's work reminds me a bit of other photographers like Nan Goldin, who also captured raw, intimate moments. It's like they're saying, "Here is life, unvarnished and real." Ultimately, art is about seeing the world in new ways, and Ferrato definitely makes you see with a fresh perspective.