I am among a unique group of people who grew up in a world of traditional values balanced with the support and freedom to be independent. I was able to make most of the decisions that shaped my future and was always held accountable when the wrong choice was made. I understood at a young age that I could be, and do, anything I wanted and the benefit of learning from other’s mistakes. These lessons have proved to be essential in achieving every goal I set.

I am and always have been more of an observer and listener. The willingness to learn from everyone around me adds to my success. I value the opinions and perspectives of others and attempt to be considerate and understanding to them all.

I think contributing time to organizations that support community is an important position those who are able to should do. My enthusiasm to mentor and be a role model for youth established my interest in Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I have participated as a Big Sister since January 2005. This experience has been very rewarding and is more than just a volunteer activity. It is relationship that has made a difference in both our lives.

I value my free time and when moments arise, I take advantage of any opportunity to snowboard. Strapping on a board and shredding down a mountain is the rush that allows me to rid my mind of negativity and reflect on past, present and future life. It also brings me back and forces me to realize the importance of enjoying every moment to the fullest. Since finding a mountain in Florida is such a challenge, I usually relax by spending time with friends and family, lying on the beach, rollerblading and taking pictures of the beautiful scenery that surrounds me.

I spent several years looking for my purpose and trying to answer the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” A discussion with my grandmother initiated the realization that the field of journalism suited my interests, personality as well as my hobby in photography. After enrolling in the program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and taking the photojournalism class they offered, I knew I had found my place!

I am a photographer. My purpose is to observe and understand, through a lens, reality and to tell those stories through my photographs. I want to work behind a camera on projects that bring awareness to public interest issues. Photography is my tool to express diverse perspectives of the world, to the world.