Elizabeth Rivera was born on June 5, 1995, in the picturesque town of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery and vibrant cultural heritage, Hatillo provided Elizabeth with a rich environment to grow up in. From a young age, she was exposed to the lively traditions and community spirit that define this charming town. As she grew, Elizabeth developed a keen interest in the photography inspired by the diverse influences surrounding her. This foundation played a crucial role in shaping her aspirations as she pursued her goals. She lived in a humble place along with her three older sisters and her mom. Their home was a small, cozy cottage nestled at the edge of the town . The cottage was surrounded by a garden that her mother tended to lovingly, growing vibrant flowers and fresh vegetables. Despite the simplicity of their living conditions, their home was always filled with laughter and warmth. Each sister had her own unique personality, creating a lively and dynamic household.At the age of 14, she moved to Connecticut, a transition that marked a significant turning point in her life. The move wasn't just a change of scenery but also an opportunity for new beginnings. Before she moved to Connecticut, Elizabeth experienced a challenging time at her former school in Puerto Rico. She endured bullying and humiliation at the hands of her classmates, which significantly impacted her mental health and led to depression. This dicult period was marked by feelings of isolation and distress, making it hard for her to enjoy her school life or focus on her studies. The move to Connecticut represented a fresh start for Elizabeth, giving her the opportunity to heal and find a more supportive environment.Despite moving to Connecticut with her sibling, mom, and her stepfather, the trauma continued to torment her. The change in scenery, while oering a fresh start, couldn't erase the memories that had been etched into her mind. Each day, she battled with the shadows of her past, striving to find solace in her new environment. Her family, though supportive, often struggled to understand the depth of her pain, making her feel isolated even among those she loved. She knew that healing would take time and eort, and she was determined to seek the help and support she needed to overcome the haunting memories. Elizabeth's journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. After graduating from Roberto Clemente in 2011 and Wilbur Cross High School in 2015, she initially aspired to become a veterinarian. However, her plans shifted when she struggled with her PPT test scores. From 2016 to 2023, she worked as a crew member at Dunkin' Donuts. In 2021, a challenging period began when she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following a false accusation by her sister. This traumatic event led to social anxiety, making day- to-day interactions dicult for Elizabeth. Yet, amidst these struggles, she found solace in an unexpected hobby. On a seemingly ordinary day, Elizabeth began taking pictures with her cell phone. What started as a casual activity quickly blossomed into a profound interest in photography. Each photograph she captured inspired her, especially those that highlighted the beauty of nature. Through the lens of her camera, Elizabeth discovered a new way to express herself and find peace, using photography as a therapeutic tool to navigate her emotions and connect with the world around her.The unwavering support from people like Sandra, Diana, Natividad, Esther and her older sister Enid played a crucial role in her journey. Their understanding and non-judgmental attitudes provided a safe space for her to express her challenges and fears. These relationships oered her the foundation to rebuild her strength, reminding her that she was not alone in her struggles. Through their kindness and encouragement, she found the courage to face her diculties and gradually heal, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion and empathy in overcoming Elizabeth's journey into photography is a testament to the power of passion and curiosity. Despite not holding a professional title, her dedication to capturing the essence of the world through her lens speaks volumes. Each photograph she takes is more than just an image; it's a story waiting to be told, a moment frozen in time that reflects her unique perspective. Her work demonstrates that you don't need formal recognition to make an impact—what truly matters is the ability to convey meaning and evoke emotion through the art of photography. Elizabeth's journey encourages aspiring photographers to embrace their passion, explore creatively, and share their vision with the world, reminding us all that art is about connection and expression personal battle