Julie B:
This photo represents one of the happiest moments in my entire life. I had dreamed of going to the Galapagos Islands and walking in Darwin's footsteps but I never thought it could be a reality. No matter how hard I tried, life was always a constant struggle just trying to get by. I had recently lost my sister to suicide, began raising her kids, left an abusive relationship, and sent myself back to school. I was overwhelmed but I couldn't let gief win because I had to do right by these kids; I had to set a good example. During this crazy time my niece had an opportunity to go on a school trip to Ecuador and I was allowed to come along. The reference picture I shared was a picture of me on the trip in Ecuador on a refuge, surrounded by giant tortoises; I was starstruck with tears in my eyes when my niece snapped this photo. This experience was a reminder to me of how lucky I am; how grateful I am to have shared this trip with my niece; and how the little moments of pure awesome can help carry us through the bad.