Burkina's Beauty

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

A place and its population: the two are inextricably linked for me. Maybe it’s because I have always been a people watcher at heart. Or maybe it’s because I find myself appreciating similarities rather than looking for differences, and people are people wherever you go. As much as I love new sights, unique smells, and delicious foods, I am drawn to the inhabitants of each country I visit. They bring the place to life. While a waterfall or a palace can inspire awe, a person can awaken in me a lifelong fondness and affection for a place. And while all human emotions can move me, it’s deep happiness that truly inspires. What better place to connect with and photograph smiling people than the country known for its Gross National Happiness? It would also be a fabulous kick-off to my 40th year, which starts officially the day after the trip ends.

As a teacher, I try to encourage my students to become lifelong learners, and I try to model that myself. I also push my students to follow their dreams. Photography and travel have been my two passions for as long as I can remember, and I’d love the chance to live my dream and learn while doing it. I have only tried my hand at wildlife photography a few times, and getting pointers from a pro would be an unbelievable experience. I am also itching to learn about Bhutanese spirituality, and, hopefully, bring lots of that peace and happiness—and many good photos and fabulous memories—home with me! Although I am officially about to become “middle aged,” I feel like the world is completely open to me. I can still pursue anything and become anything, and going on this adventure would open doors I’d never even dreamed of...and help me turn a passion into a lifestyle.