I was very touched to know that a panel of psychologists recognized the efforts I made to overcome my psychological difficulties deserved to be rewarded. I wish that all young adults who successfully surmount one or more mental health problems during adolescence get the chance to experience a trip from Horizons. It's rare that we recognize the importance of mental health in our society.

Group discussions made this trip very memorable for me. First, Connie and Robert constantly took care of us and made sure that we were comfortable. We really felt their involvement and that they were genuinely interested in our stories and our well-being. Next, Alberto, our Alyra tour guide, did an exceptional job too. Not only did he coordinate the trip to perfection, his personality, humor and his know-how complimented and completed the group dynamic.

I adored everything about Italy. The trip was very well-organized. I don't recall the last time when I did not have to make any decisions for one week, except choosing my meals! I especially loved the perfect mix between discovery, adventure and relaxation. Of course the food was excellent in all the restaurants. The restaurants were carefully selected and it showed! I recommend this trip to those who have gone through difficult life events during adolescence, and the definition of difficult is different for each person.

I really loved discovering Italy with the group, we learned so much as our guides were really knowledgeable about the history and culture. I was really apprehensive going on this trip because meeting new people is stressful for me, but having a trip highlight my battles and my successes, was one of the best applause I ever received. It was nice to see some people going through the same thing as me and still living to tell their story. There is a special bond that happened in that short week that I am sure will never be erased from my mind.

I was so happy and so excited to meet the others who were selected. I really loved Italy. Thanks to Tatiana, Alberto and Julia, I learned so much about the history of this country. I adored Florence! In regards to the food, everything was delicious! During the group activities, I felt well-accepted and supported. There was an unexplainable connection between us, as if we understood exactly what the other person felt. It was a really beautiful experience, a lovely trip with extraordinary people.

Many thanks for this magnificent experience and for this wonderful recognition. This trip will be engraved in my memory forever, it was the most beautiful experience I have had in my entire life. It was nice to be able to talk to other people who had experienced similar life experiences to mine, I felt understood and accepted. During this trip, I felt free to be myself. I’m back home with a heart filled with love and a head full of memories. In addition to bringing back souvenirs, I came back with new friends, thank you!

This trip gave me renewed hope in life. I have always struggled at the emotional and relational level. With my psychologist, we did years of exposure training, to allow me to reduce my level of anxiety. I was afraid of having difficulty including myself in the group, however, I was able to open up to the girls and I developed good friendships with each one of them. We all managed to get along well and forge good relationships. Thanks to the way Alberto presented the activities to us, I was able to be in the present moment. This experience will be with me forever. I want to say thank everyone involved, Connie, Robert, Alberto and the donors!

Initially, I was nervous to go on a trip for the first time with strangers, but I was pleasantly surprised to meet people with whom I had so much in common. I felt well surrounded and safe with Connie, Robert, and our fabulous guide Alberto. I really enjoyed discovering Spain, all the activities we took part in were enriching, fun and above all it was a way, especially for me, to face my fears and grow as a person. I would say to young people who are afraid to go with a group, with people that they know more or less, go ahead, take the trip, face your fears because I had one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you so much to everyone who made this experience possible.

I didn’t expect to be chosen for this trip. I was surprised and honored. It was a very enriching experience. The places visited, the architecture and food were incredible. Everything was better with my travelling companions and of course with Alberto! I am so happy to have met people who were so interesting and admirable and now who are linked with me in friendship. During this trip, I felt as if I was in a different world, where I could explore and do as I please. I felt free without any worries. I would like to thank Connie and Robert and the donors who gave me the chance to experience this incredible trip. Thank you for all the memories that still bring a smile to my face. I will never forget this trip!

This trip showed me how fun and exciting life could be if I took more chances and embraced possible mistakes. Mental illness is really challenging to understand for those who have not experienced it. On the other hand, going through it enabled me to have a specific type of empathy that is really special and helps me to connect with people. I felt as if I had known these girls for years, and I felt comfortable opening up and being myself, which usually takes me years to feel when making new friends. To the donors, thank you! This trip has changed my mindset about so many things. It has showed me that recovery can lead to amazing things, as I could not have done any of these things without choosing me and healing my body and mind.