Traveling can open our eyes to new cultures and experiences, but my recent journey took me on an unexpected path: one filled with courage, resilience, and profound humanity.
September 8, 2024, my husband and I embarked on a short trip to a small island nearby Symi in Greece, Lipsi. At the pier, we encountered a large group refugees, most from Syria, in detention, ready to board the same boat as us, each person carrying their own story of hardship and hope.Â
As I embarked on this journey, my camera became an extension of my emotions and a tool for storytelling. Each click of the shutter was more than just a photograph; it was an attempt to capture fleeting moments that spoke volumes about the human experience and revealing not only the struggles and fears but also the beauty and strength within each individual.
When we set out on the water, the atmosphere was palpable with uncertainty. The refugees, fleeing from war-torn countries and seeking a better life, faced fears that many of us can only imagine.
In those moments, I discreetly raised my camera to capture expressions of anxiety and hope intertwined, reminding me how vulnerability transcends words. I felt a sense of solidarity with them; we were united by this shared experience, facing the unknown together. It was a powerful reminder of our common humanity.
I witnessed incredible resilience.Â
Each individual onboard had faced unimaginable challenges, yet here they were, determined to carve out a future for themselves and their families. Through my lens, I captured their determination. They’ve inspired me to embrace my own fears and cultivate a spirit of perseverance.
I learned about the deep faith that many refugees hold onto. Their belief in a brighter tomorrow fueled their determination, and it resonated within me.
I saw that having faith: not only in ourselves but also in the goodness of others- can illuminate even the darkest paths.
I don’t believe in coincidence. As I found myself sharing the same journey in a small boat with refugees, I couldn’t help but question the significance of our paths crossing at the same time as Seeing Happy is curating a contest of  pictures of Hope in Action.
As a blogger of Seeing Happy, I started to question myself: Why was I there, breathing the same air, witnessing their struggles firsthand? it became clear that is because I had to write about the importance our connectivity by a shared humanity, regardless of our backgrounds.
Each photograph I took was not just a moment frozen in time; it represented a call for empathy and action. As I felt the division of humanity between the lines of separation.
I wanted to share these images and experiences with the world to shed light on the struggles faced.
My journeys keeps transforming my understanding of privilege and responsibility.Â
Through my lens, I’ve seen the stark contrast between my life and the lives of those fleeing for safety.
It compelled me to reflect deeply on how often we take our everyday comforts for granted. With this profound perspective, I felt an urgency to share this story – not just as a documentarian, but as an advocate for change and hope.
In what ways do you believe photography can serve as a powerful tool for social change?
