DALLAS — When all the hard work is done, you finally get the reward. 

“Just to see that you’re getting closer and closer to graduation, it’s really….really, really, really like…almost there. Just wait,” said Jocelyn Racio, a Garland High School senior.

While waiting can be hard to do, Racio reflected on the sacrifices her parents made to get her to a prized senior moment: graduation photos. 

“They left the family back in Mexico. The story is really touching to me because they want a better life for their children,” Racio said.

It is a desire that pushes Racio even through her most trying times. In September, her dad had surgery to have his toe amputated from diabetes. 

“He lost his job and we really struggled financially,” Racio said. It really touched me because I really wanted to be strong for them and keep going to school and keep reminding myself that they’re the reason why I’m here.”

It is a reason that also touched photographer, Dunice Harrell, founder of Dunice Harrell Photography. Last year, she started the program, G.O.A.L. It stands for “The Gift of a Lifetime.”

“I found out that the mainstream photography companies were charging anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for senior portraits,” said Harrell. “I realized that there were people out there who really could not afford photography sessions.”

Through her program, Harrell provides free senior photos to Dallas/Fort Worth students facing financial challenges such as Racio. 

“Everybody, I felt like regardless of their financial circumstances, they deserve a senior portrait. It’s their first major milestone in their life that they’re achieving on their own, and that should be celebrated,” said Harrell. “This photograph, I want it to represent that you are great. There is a light in you, so when you look at this photograph regardless of what you go through, you will see that.”

It is a memory Harrell provides to students that is more than just a photo. 

“It’s a gift of a lifetime,” said Racio.

She said her new success is also a gift to her mother who came to her senior photoshoot. 

“She never really tags along because she’s always with my dad,” said Racio who is the youngest of her siblings to graduate.

“I think we all have accomplished that for them,” said Racio. “It’s just. I’m sorry…I like telling them that I made it.” 

It is a true gift given with absolute gratefulness and filled with pride.

Harrell is looking for support for funding, studio space and more photographers. If you are interested, click here.