With claims that the natural world is in mortal peril inculcated since grade school,
it is easy to believe that hopes of conservation are in vain.  Luckily for me, Sri Lanka re-awakened a long dormant sense of optimism.  
With so many examples of the mistakes humanity has made, here at last was something done right.  
Seeing native wildlife preserved in their natural habitat was very encouraging,
as well as the respect the Sri Lankans bear for their natural heritage.
 It was so exciting for me to be a part of an organization that is focusing on this achievement,
and hopefully spreading that sense of optimism to people all over the world. 

Kelsey Noonan