In the world of human trafficking, there is little to celebrate. It is a world of darkness, pain, drudgery, and fear. For the victims, it can seem like torture that will never end, a proverbial hell that goes on indefinitely However, on occasion even within the long shadow that is cast by human trafficking, there is reason to celebrate, a shining light that chases away the darkness. One such story is that of Lindsey Campbell’s and how she survived human trafficking and went on to thrive even winning the Elizabeth Award and giving the commencement speech at her graduation from nursing school at Columbia College. 

Lindsay’s Story of Triumph

Lindsay’s story starts like countless others. Innocently enough, she found herself stuck in human trafficking with seemingly no way out. She describes her ordeal as follows:

“I was 17 at the Lake of the Ozarks, and I met somebody that I thought was going to show me the world, and he just took advantage of how young I was and how naive, and how much I needed love at that time in my life.” 

Lindsay’s fairy tale beginning quickly became a nightmare when she was captured and imprisoned by the human trafficking industry. Lindsay says it was only having her daughter that gave her the courage to get out and escape her captives. She says of her daughter “She has always been my guiding light. Thank you Iyana.”

Graduating Was Important to Lindsay

Lindsay’s story could have ended so much more tragically, but thankfully through her determination to succeed, she has graduated and will give back to society as a nurse.  She says she hopes that her graduating after experiencing such a horrific situation will not only set an example for her children but for other young girls as well. 

Saved in America Applauds Lindsay

While Lindsay was not one of the over 260 victims that Saved in America helped to rescue from the horrors of human trafficking, SIA applauds Lindsay and her efforts to make a great life out of the hand she was dealt. She has overcome many obstacles and immense trauma to better her life and in turn, be in a position to give back to others through nursing as well as by sharing her powerful story of redemption.