Clouds and smiles

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

In 2002 during a school trip to Botswana, my eyes were opened to the world. After mustering up the courage to finally leave my home soil for the first time in my life, I took the plunge and decided to travel to the most “different” place I could think of. Different, yes. Inspiring, yes. Life changing? Definitely.

This set of photos show my journey as I challenged myself, physically, mentally and emotionally through confronting and uplifting times in the beautiful Botswana. Through my eyes (and lense), viewers can gain a taste of the beauty and personality of the country.

As a teacher now, I reflect back on the children in a small community in remote Botswana. The people there were beautiful and I will remember them forever. There is a feeling that I can never shake. These people had nothing. Absolutely nothing. They had one water well between them, they lived in mud huts, they did not wear shoes. Yet, they were the happiest people I have ever come across. I think we can all learn something from them.

I love taking photographs, but to be honest, half the time I have no idea what I am doing! I believe Africa made it easy to take beautiful photographs, and I would love to work with Jason Edwards and absorb some of his wisdom. His photographs are inspiring and beautiful and the experience sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am ready to take!