During this semester, I wanted to fulfill my visual arts class requirement and try something new so I took my first photography class. I have always been interested in photography but I never took the time to improve my skills and grow as a photographer. Through this class, I have discovered a true passion of mine that I hope to continue throughout college and my life after college.

Photography has opened a new world for me, forcing me to take the time to appreciate my surroundings and carefully plan a photo instead of taking a quick snapshot for social media. I have learned to appreciate all the parts of a camera and the history of photography, being inspired by numerous photographers. Because of this class, I was encouraged to go off campus and explore Columbus to take photos for my projects. I have found so much beauty in this city because of photography that I have not noticed before. It has forced me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. 

During Spring Break, I traveled to different national parks in Utah and photographed the nature and wildlife. Taking photography this semester has made me more aware of my surroundings and helped me look up from my textbook once in awhile to appreciate life around me. I have realized that college is a great time to explore what I’m interested in because it is a time in my life where I am still figuring out who I am, what my likes and dislikes are, and who I would like to become. I am happy I took the time to explore one of my interests and further my skills in a hobby I hope to continue to pursue.

On October 10, 2016 I attended the Hillary Clinton rally at the Ohio State University which left a tremendous impact on my life. This was the first election I was eligible to vote for; I was thrilled that my 18th birthday landed on an election year because I have looked forward to voting ever since I was a child. My parents immigrated to the United States when I was two years old in hopes to create a better life for my brother and I. When I became a citizen, I realized what an honor it is to be able to vote and have a say in my country and that is a right that no one should take for granted. Too many people have fought for my right to vote and to have a voice as a female minority that I could not sit idly by and dismiss this election. I have always been into politics and hope to go into law school after my time here at Ohio State. After hearing that Hillary Clinton was coming to OSU to campaign for her election, I could not be more excited. We waited in line for three hours to get spots in the very front but I did not feel the time, I felt like we were making history, we were meeting the first female president of the United States of America (…or so I thought). Hearing Hillary Clinton speak filled me with admiration and faith in our nation. For the following weeks leading to the election, I watched the news and the polls endlessly. Election Day was disappointing to say the least. I watched the results with a mixture of confusion, fear, and hopelessness. I felt dismayed in the political system and questioned whether I wanted to go into politics after all. I feared that my voice as a minority would no longer be heard and the fight would be a lost cause. However my perception began to change when I watched Hillary’s concession speech.

Hillary’s speech surprised me that she can accept that she lost with such dignity and could somehow look towards the future with positivity. She spoke directly to the youth for a moment and I felt like it was directed to me personally. “And to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I have…spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. I’ve had successes and I’ve had setbacks. Sometimes, really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” It made me realize that Stronger Together is not a mere campaign slogan, but a statement to live by. The American people are truly stronger if they stick together and love instead of hate and become a more inclusive accepting society. This election experience has been very important to shaping who I am today as it has reaffirmed my dream to fight against the injustice in the political system and to go into law. I hope I have the courage to continue to fight despite the numerous setbacks I face just as Hillary Clinton did.