experience is one challenge i still have. so many people have asked me about my trip, and i just simply reply, “it was amazing! nothing like i could have ever imagined.” showing my family and friends pictures and telling them stories may help them understand a little bit of my experience, but i know that no word i say or image i show them will help them fully understand the whole experience. something changed in me. something made me realize the little joys in life, the feeling that everything will be okay, the sense that there is more than one way to reach a goal, and the independence and strength 