From Appalachia to Andalucía

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Spain | Thursday, December 13, 2012 | 5 photos

This world is beautiful. I can see that in the mountains of my home and in the places I've traveled. Photography is my means of sharing how I see the world and it is my expression of truth and beauty. I feel a duty towards representing the things I see in the way that they are, not the way that they should be. Beauty isn’t just the “good;” beauty can be dirty, joyful, heartbreaking, and, most importantly, true.

"What do you want to do?" is a terrifying question for a senior in college. Even scarier is realizing that what I want to do is travel and share the world through photography, knowing there is no clear path that would allow me to do that. I see this scholarship as the impetus to finding that clear path.
The only barrier keeping me from becoming a better photographer is lack of mentorship. In my life, opportunities with experiential education have been the most meaningful and long-lasting sources of learning. To find a truly effective mentor is crucial, which is why I cannot let this juncture pass.

As a student of life I hope to never stop learning and to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Allow me this opportunity and it will not be wasted.