Matt's journal

My Scholarship entry - Street life in Xi'an

China | Monday, November 24, 2014 | 5 photos

As I near my 30th birthday, I can't think of a time when a camera hasn't been close at hand. I went back to school in 2009 to study journalism and completed several unpaid internships and freelance positions as a reporter at newspapers. I currently work as a full-time bicycle mechanic while pursuing photography in my spare time. My goal is to work as a photographer covering important issues close to home and abroad.

My training in written journalism has given me a drive to seek out stories that educate and promote social change. While in school I was drawn to stories that I could immerse myself in while getting to know my subjects. As a largely self-taught photographer, I am eager to learn how to do this with my camera.

I see this scholarship as an opportunity to learn many things about photography and photojournalism. If I were to win, I would use the knowledge and confidence that an opportunity like this provides to take photos that make a difference and encourage others to do the same. A photograph has the power to inform, inspire and even change the world. I would be so grateful to have the guidance from this scholarship to help me achieve this with my work.