Anna’s Journey: From 9/11 Survivor to Military Service & Finding Hope

This episode of Everyday Heroes features Anna, an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 2001. Shortly after settling in, the 9/11 attacks instantly impacted her, defining her life’s trajectory. With limited English skills, Anna navigated her early days in the U.S. before finding her calling in the military as a mental health specialist. Her time in Afghanistan and encounters with grief, including the loss of close ones and her battle with multiple sclerosis, profoundly shaped her perspective. Despite these challenges, Anna's courage and resilience have led her to aspire to connect people and heal through the power of photography, proving that even through loss, one can find meaningful paths to recovery and connection.