Aurora
Orphanage to Austin
Our story
My story dates back to day 1 when I was abandoned and put up for adoption at an orphanage in Hubei, China when I was just 1 day old. The week of my 1st birthday, I was adopted and brought to Norfolk, Virginia. I grew up there from ages 1-17 years before going to college at the University of Colorado Boulder. I struggled with my identity, sense of self, and purpose in life my whole childhood and early adult hood. It felt like I never fit in anywhere I went. I moved to Austin, TX last November right before my 25th birthday in search of finding myself and a place that felt like home. It’s been almost 10 months now, and I finally feel like i’ve found my people and my place <3.
What the weekend would mean to us
Whenever I feel disconnected from the people around me or the place i’m in, I always turn to nature and animals for comfort. A weekend at the ranch would change my life and bring me so much peace i’ve been searching for. I would love the opportunity to connect with nature and the Earth in a serene calm environment. I’m not financially stable enough to afford a weekend getaway there, so it would be a dream come true if I won a free weekend to relax and reset.
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If an entry that comes through Aurora’ link wins the national final, Aurora win a free two-night stay at the ranch — whatever happens in their own bracket.