Temples in Taiwan

My Photo Scholarship 2011 Entry

Taiwan | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

For as long as I can remember I have felt a longing for far away places, an urge to explore, and a desire to document the world as I experience it. During college I was consumed with learning foreign languages, and had the fortunate opportunity to travel to numerous foreign countries. With each trip to new places around the world I gained additional perspective on life.

Over my years of traveling since, I have continued to learn and grow. I have realized that through becoming more acquainted with other countries and cultures, I have been able to put my own life and priorities in a much better context. Trivial things that once seemed important quickly dwindled into nothingness. Important things that I never noticed were brought to my attention.

I believe that through the medium of photography I can bring these same benefits and blessings to others. I can bring beauty they would otherwise not be able to experience, making their lives richer. I can also bring sadness, allowing them to learn from others’ mistakes or misfortunes, and then hopefully motivating them to do something about it.

My love of photography recently moved me to quit my job with the US government in order to pursue photography full time. Some people have called me crazy, forsaking a stable well-paying job in the height of economic turmoil in order to do something so unstable, so unknown. But the unknown excites me, especially when I know I will be doing something I love.

I should be chosen to win this competition because my passion for learning and growing is unquenchable. I know the basics of how to take a photograph, but I desperately need guidance from a professional on how to turn my hobby into my new career.