LA Times

Don Bartletti,

an inspirational photojournalist,

beautiful speaker.

I didn't know who Don was,

until he came to our school.

He is a photojournalist for the LA Times.

Why didn't I know about him before?

I don't know.

He is a wonderful artist,

a true brave hero.

An admirable guy.

He braved through Honduras,

in harsh conditions.

Risk of being robbed, shanked, or even death.

All for a wonderful story,

a truth in life.

A reality that struck me,

like a wild card.

I never knew or understood immigration,

until, 
he came to our school.

I was on a one track mind about it,

now... not so much.

I sympathize with these people.

They are brave,

they take risk for their family.

So there is no starvation among them.

It's real sad,

the condition they live upon...

Don Bartletti,

revealed the truth behind this horrid reality.

These children,

from age 8 and up...

are risking their lives daily,

to find their mothers

who illegally crossed the border,

to help their family...

to send money back to their children,

their life,

back to their homely towns.

I never realized...

how much I took my life here for granted.

Being in the states,

having opportunity,

freedom,

life.

Thanks you Don,

for bringing me back to reality.

For showing me,

the truth in what is happening with immigration.

For inspiring me to want to give back,

for instilling this precious knowledge

inside me.

It was an honor to meet Don personally,

being invited to have dinner with him.

Andrew and I went.

I stood quiet,

taking in all the wonderful stories 

he had to tell.

He truly is an admirable person.

Very touching, outgoing, and funny.

It was a pleasure and thanks again!

Here is some of the work

that I truly just held back my tears on.

I know I didn't get into detail,

the story,

about what he talked about.

These photographs tell it all,

they are worth more than 1000 words.

I'm not here to change your mind about anything,

just telling you,

to take a moment,

to really appreciate your position in life.

How great you do have it here,

wherever you live in the U.S.

I know I took a long moment,

thinking about how I take my life here for granted.

-Diana