When the chance to produce Envisioned came up in early 2016, we jumped on it. The project was a documentary with an international scope focused on bringing eyecare to impoverished nations. For me, it represented the rare opportunity to work on something with a powerful social impact. Although I stayed behind to coordinate from home, I was involved in every logistical decision, from securing gear to arranging transportation for our team across continents. The project was intense, complex, and challenging—a far cry from the design-focused work I’d been accustomed to. We sent J and our cinematographer, one of the Bunnies, to San Salvador in March of 2016 for the first round of glasses distribution. 

The experience brought both professional and personal revelations. Professionally, it was fulfilling to see my efforts directly impact a cause that went beyond the screen. Working with a team focused on creating change felt meaningful, and my purpose as a designer and storyteller was evolving. But while I was coordinating, J was on the front lines, and during the filming in March 2017, he cheated on me in Burkina Faso. It wasn’t the first, second, or even third time, so I knew instantly when he got home and started telling me about Katelyn. A few days later, he approached me about separation, which I’d already decided on in my head, so my reply was a simple “Ok.”

Yet, Envisioned remained a touchstone for me. Despite the personal cost and unfinished potential, it underscored how powerful storytelling could be. Working with people driven by a purpose larger than themselves reminded me that I, too, wanted to make an impact—one rooted in compassion, connection, and resilience. J left in April, just before the end of my second year at UNCSA.