While "photographer" or "photojournalist" is one way to describe me, the word that truly encapsulates who I am is "storyteller." Whether it was holding my first camera at age five while hiking and trying to take photos of my family, or sitting on the sidelines of every event for the yearbook staff looking for the best moments to capture, I have always wanted to tell other people's stories, even if I didn't realize it. When I came to Christ Presbyterian Academy, I was introduced to our award-winning journalism staff and quickly found a home inside our classroom, specifically in the camera cabinet.

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          In my freshman year, I was excited and scared to enter the journalism world for the first time, but I started as a photographer and learned the basics. Over the years, I truly fell in love with capturing and preserving those moments that are often overlooked but so influential in our lives. In my sophomore year, I became our assistant head photographer, expanding my photography knowledge and skills. I also submitted a photo to our literary magazine, challenging myself to be more creative in my storytelling, and ended up winning second place for the photo from the Tennessee High School Press Association. In my junior year, I continued my role as assistant head photographer on the Lions Roar Staff as well as taking on the role of visual head for our literary magazine. This role ensured my skills in graphic design, editing, theme development, and leadership were as strong as those in photography. Finally, in my senior year, I was honored to be the head photographer on our staff.

 

          In the 2023–2024 year, I was faced with college decisions, friendship trials, and, above all, trying to find my purpose and passion for the future. As the year went on, I took photos at every opportunity, knowing that these were my final days in a place that had shaped me and fostered my love of journalism. In doing this, I saw, got to know, and heard from more people than I can even recall. I wouldn't have had the chance to do this if it weren't for that curious freshman girl picking up a DSLR camera and trying to write a caption. That is when I realized my purpose. I was made to show and tell stories that were not my own. That is why you will never see me without my camera or phone because it is an extension of my soul.

 

          Every moment we experience, no matter how small, affects and shapes us. Some of those memories are tragic, and some are full of joy and wonder. I wanted to capture all of them. I focused on the emotion of the moment, the positive and negative space, and how it changes the story; Most importantly though, I froze time, just for a second. These moments are precious, and time's forever fleeting. I constantly keep the adage, “If a tree falls in the forest but no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound?” in my mind because I want to be the person there to see it, hear it, and share it; to take a second, or a moment, and tell that story.

 

          If I have learned one thing in the past four years, it’s that everyone deserves to have their stories told, their memories and lives captured, and to see the shared experiences of one another as well as the unique ones. This passion has shown me my purpose and truly made me appreciate life through a new set of eyes every time I look through the viewfinder. As a photojournalist and storyteller, I can say for certain that there is always more of the story to tell.