Photography has always been always a constant presence in my life. Growing up I was surrounded by it through my family- my grandfather always had a camera in his hands, capturing everyday moments and proudly sharing his work with me. My uncle turned photography into something extraordinary, capturing images that inspired me to see the world differently. Being around them showed me early on that photography is more than just taking a photo of something, it is a way of preserving an emotion, a memory, or a perspective, all three even! I began exploring photography myself in middle school. Even though I did not have access to a "professional" camera. Instead of letting that hold me back, I learned to work with what I had. Having that limitation taught me an important lesson, creativity is not defined by equipment but by the vision. When I entered high school and enrolled in a photography, class everything changed. For the first time I had access to a hands-on experience with a camera I would truly gain experience from, and a teacher who challenged me to grow. That class became more than just a place to learn; it became a community, my community! I met some of my closest friends and even my boyfriend there, people who share my passion and pushed me to be the best I could be. Motivated by that environment, I took initiative and worked side by side with my school's Gifted and Talented coordinator to create a photography focused program. I am the first student to pursue photography through the GT program! This experience strengthened my independence, leadership, and drive to expand my craft. Now as a senior, I actively use my skills to contribute to my school as well as my community. I photograph school and sporting events, capturing moments that others will look back on for years. I have also taken professional headshots for our dance academy, helping students present themselves with confidence. Even in my veterinary internship, I incorporate photography to document my experiences and express stories in meaningful ways! Photography has shaped my perspective on the world- it has taught me to notice every detail, appreciate emotion, and connect with others. Moving forward, I hope to continue growing not only as a photographer, but as a storyteller who can make people feel seen. My goal is to keep pushing my creativity and to use photography to capture moments that matter, just as my grandfather once did for me.

My sophomore year English class didn't just change my view on reading; it changed how I see people and the world around me. Before I walked into Mr. Phillips classroom, school was something you went to just to get it done and over with and make a good career for yourself. Mr. Phillips made sure it was more than that. Mr. Phillips structured his lessons around discussion. Instead of focusing only on meaningless or abstract topics, he chose subjects that everyone could connect to in some way. Because of that, conversations felt real. Everyone spoke up, not just the usual voices, but everyone had their own opinions and ideas. I started to see a different sides of my classmates that I had never thought about before, and in the process, I began to understand more about myself. He made it clear that human interaction wasn't just a part of life, it was essential to it. What made his class so impactful for me was the relationship we built beyond the classroom. Mr. Phillips was someone I could talk to about anything, whether it was school, my personal life, or my future, he always listened and gave honest feedback. We shared a love for the outdoors and similar perspectives on life which made it easy to connect with him on a deeper level. For the first time, I really felt like a teacher truly saw me as a person, not just a student. Our connection didn't end when the school year did. During my junior year, a few friends and I would go into his classroom during our lunch. Those moments became something I looked forward to each day! We'd play Wordle, talk about college, and joke about how overwhelming senior year felt before we even got there. At the same time, Mr. Phillips would share stories about his life growing up. Those conversations hit home. They made the future feel a little less intimidating and reminded me that uncertainty is something everyone experiences. Although he retired before my senior year, his impact has hasn't faded. Every once in a while, we still meet for lunch and catch-up! Hearing about his latest adventure, building a raft to sail down the Mississippi, reminds me of the kind of person he is. Someone who lives boldly and stays true to himself. Mr. Phillips taught me more than literature. He taught me to speak up, to stand by what I believe in, and to value the connections I make with others. He showed me that using your voice matters, even if you're not sure who will hear it or who it will impact. Because of him, I approach life with more confidence, openness, and a deeper understanding of the people around me. "Stay true to you kid." That is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life.