In 1994, the author traveled to Southeast Asia, reaching Sumatra to see wild orangutans amid diminishing rainforests due to logging. Despite challenges, including treacherous roads and scarce food, they visited Bukit Lawang’s wildlife rescue center. A memorable encounter with an infant orangutan sparked their passion for environmental conservation. Years later, witnessing plastic pollution in oceans motivated them to become an activist, organizing film screenings in their community to raise awareness about plastic waste and its impact on wildlife.