Life Through My Lens

Have you ever felt captivated by something so small yet so full of potential? That's how I felt about GoPro cameras when I was a kid. You could say I was the girl who was born with a built-in GoPro in her hand. As an eleven-year-old staring at those cameras in stores, I promised myself that I would grow up to explore the world, capturing its magnificence and mundaneness, just like the audacious videographers I idolized.

Fast forward seven years, and I have stayed true to that childhood promise. At thirteen, my life officially went "on the record" with my first GoPro camera. From that moment on, the world became my playground, whether I was gallivanting across international borders or just kicking a soccer ball down the block. This pocket-sized device was my lens into a bigger, bolder world; it helped me break free from my comfort zone and become the person I am today.

Living life through the lens of my GoPro allowed me to embrace opportunities, face fears, and immerse myself in new experiences. Whether it was running for student body president in high school, skydiving 14,000 feet above the South Pacific, or rappelling down a waterfall in Costa Rica, each recorded moment represented a battle won over hesitation, doubt, and insecurity. This journey of self-discovery not only made me emotionally resilient but also taught me how to seize life's potential to the fullest.

But there is more to this journey than adrenaline-pumping escapades. My GoPro also became a channel for human connection and cultural discovery. It captured the heartfelt smiles of people who have crossed my path: Hassan, a six-year-old Syrian refugee with dreams as big as the sky; Abraham, a Fijian boy with a passion for soccer; and Andre, a Costa Rican man who transformed his community's education with a simple yet impactful school renovation. Through these encounters, I discovered the joy of spreading sunshine to others, even in their darkest times.

Everyone remembered throughout history—be it through literature, art, or activism—made a lasting impact. They ventured into uncharted territories, challenged the status quo, and forever changed the way we see the world. They left imprints of their experiences for future generations, inspiring countless others to dream bigger, reach further, and be better. This is precisely what I aim to achieve: to make my mark by capturing the highs and lows, the beauty and imperfections of life, and inspiring future generations to make a difference in their own unique ways.

Some people wish to be remembered through their autobiographies or artworks, but I want my legacy to be a collection of memory cards. These are not just bits of data, but capsules of humanity and culture, of triumph and struggle. They are a testament to a life fully lived and a world better understood. With hard work and determination, I believe that I can turn these recorded dreams into real-life impacts, whether it be ending global warming or simply transforming tears into smiles.

In essence, my GoPro serves as more than just a camera; it is a front-row ticket to the roller coaster that is life. It has empowered me to capture the fleeting moments that define us as humans and connect us across cultures. So, grab your ticket, your own lens into the world, and join me in this adventure. After all, is not the ultimate purpose of life to live it in such a way that we leave imprints for others to discover, remember, and be inspired by?

So, how will you make your mark?