Guess what? You never forget your second trip either.
There are moments in life—those flashes of revelation—that you never truly let go of. This time, I decided to change the scenery and embrace the tropics. And since life began in the sea, I felt it only right to offer my small contribution to one of the ocean’s most mystical creatures: the sea turtle.
For three weeks, I cared for injured turtles who could no longer return to the vast embrace of the ocean. It was the most rewarding work I’ve ever known. Sea turtle eggs are under constant threat—from predators and humans alike. So, we rescued them, placing them in a protected hatchery. Watching the tiny babies claw their way out from beneath the sand, struggling to find the surface, is a sight I’ll never forget.
But the real magic happened when we set them free. As we placed them on the beach, I listened to our coordinator explain that only 1 in 1000 of these fragile creatures survive to adulthood. A knot of both joy and sorrow twisted in my chest as I watched them race toward the waves. Then, I decided to choose my champion. I gently lifted one of the turtles, whispered, “You will make it,” and watched as she charged ahead, determined and swift.
When the waves reached her, I knew—with every fiber of my being—she was a survivor. She was that 0.01%. She’s made it. And that certainty, that unshakable truth, stays with me. A reminder that even in a world full of uncertainty, we can make a real difference.
