When I walked into George Ranch 4 years ago as a freshman, I wasn’t too sure of what I wanted to do. I knew I liked people and I knew I liked cameras. And coincidently, I got put in photojournalism my second semester of my freshman year. That class, which was led by the amazing Amanda Respondek, opened my eyes to the world of journalism.

There’s something about getting to know people through the lens of a camera that intrigues me more than any other hobby that I’ve tried in the past. With a camera in my hand, I’m able to do so much more than I am bare-handed. I’m able to explore and create and offer the world something I find cool.

Unfortunately, photo journalism was only a one-semester class. So as I finished surviving my freshman year, I kept my eye open for another opportunity to pursue my new found love. And luckily, I found my chance. I heard about a broadcast journalism class that had recently been added to my school’s never-ending list of electives. I signed up as fast as I could. For the next 3 years, I filmed, edited, and produced dozens of videos for George Ranch’s broadcast journalism class. My interest in cameras became a voice for the hundreds of unique students that attend George Ranch. Through my videos, they were allowed to tell their stories, state their opinions, and best of all – express themselves.

I’m ready for a life time of getting to know people through the lens of my camera. I am blessed to be able to pursue what I love in college and apply it to the real world. I am so thankful for the teachers and students that have made me realize my dreams and have pushed me in the direction that I want to go. And most of all, I am thankful for journalism – for giving me a way to express myself and giving the people a voice.

Thank you, Journalism.