As a teenager, I would spend my free time taking photos of buildings, nature, the moon and any moment I thought looked pleasing to the eye on my iPhone 7. Although I did not have a professional camera, I made the most out of my iPhone 7 to capture the photo I had envisioned in my head. I did not view this as one of my hobbies because it had almost become second nature to me. Anytime I saw something I thought would look cool to take a photo of, I would pull out my iPhone.
I have enjoyed photography but did not think it would lead me to where I am now. I believed other things were important, such as school, friends, family, etc. Therefore, I thought photography would just be as little as a pastime. During my first semester of college, I would take photos but over time I did it less and less. I focused all my time on school. I felt that I did not have much time for hobbies or going out. This happened throughout most of my college career.
Fast forwarding to my senior year of college, I was applying to jobs on campus. I did not think much of it because I did not have much experience, having only worked at two previous jobs. I applied for a job and got an interview. During this interview, I was nervous and did not think I was at all qualified. Once I got home, I thought, “Whatever happens is meant to be.”
A few hours later, I received an email saying the original job posting was given to someone else but that another position was available. As I continued reading the email, I was asked if I wanted the position of photographer. At that moment, I was shocked because I did not think I would be offered this position. In addition, I did not have much experience. I immediately responded by saying yes but doubted whether my experience was enough. I was reassured that it was and that either way, I was going to go through training.
I told myself this was a great opportunity and to have more faith in myself. I have been practicing photography for a majority of my life but just haven’t viewed it in that way. I told myself I was capable and to take this job head on.
Now, being a photographer for the newspaper has not only made me become a better photographer but also taught me to not undermine my skills and truly believe I can be good at what I enjoy doing. If you were to tell freshman-year me that I became one of the photographers for a newspaper, I would have not believed it, but now I can. Sadly, this is my last semester, but I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and hope it leads me down a road where I can continue my passion for photography.
