About a month ago I had the opportunity to attend surfboard shaping lessons at Hot Wax Surf Shop in Wilmington, North Carolina. The lesson were led by Michael Paul, the owner of Hot Wax Surf Shop. During the two days of lessons, Michael helped me transform a blank foam board into a lifelong surfboard.

When I was planning my STEP Signature Project, I knew that I wanted to do an artistic endeavor. College can be a very stressful time, especially when you are making decisions that directly affect your future. Surfing is a relaxing hobby that I picked up a few years ago and I wish I did it sooner. I never would have thought that a girl born and raised in Ohio could surf and have fun while doing it.

I took the leap and learned one summer and now I had the opportunity to dive deeper through the STEP Program. Shaping the surfboard and learning the entire process was a once in a lifetime experience. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to participate in the STEP Program and create the board that I will be riding for years to come.

There are many steps when it comes to shaping a surfboard from scratch and Michael Paul made sure that I was able to do each one with confidence. We started by deciding what shape we wanted the board to be. I decided that I wanted it to be a stable board, but also have an element of “fun”. We used an intermediate level design but added a more intense nose flip and tail kick. The flip and kick made the board faster and will allow me to catch waves earlier than a normal intermediate board.

Then I began drawing the template onto the blank board. After the template was complete, I began sawing off the excess foam. Once the foam was cut, Michael showed me how to square the rails that we would eventually round at the end. Then, we added the “fun” factor, the tail and nose rocker. One step that I did not expect, was trimming down the piece of wood in the middle that holds the two pieces of foam together. While we worked, we had to trim the wood down to match the new surface level.

Drawing the Template

Trimming the Foam

Squaring the Rails

Adding the Rocker and Tail

Adding the Concave

After making what I would consider big cuts off the board, we skimmed the bottom and top of the board to take off some of the thickness. The final step on day one was to add the V shape and concave. Once we added those two features, it started to look like a surfboard that you would see on the beach. The next day we picked right back up and added the bottom rail line and the tip rail bevels. Each step felt more tedious than the next once we began softening and harding the edges. Finally, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel when we started screening the completed board. We blew off all the shaved off foam and I signed my name and wrote a bible verse close to my heart. That exact moment will be etched into my brain forever. It was like I was in a surfer movie and I was putting my mark on the masterpiece that I created. The final step was to submit my personal design for it to be glassed onto the board. I still have about a week until I get to see the final product. I know no matter what, that I will have an appreciation for the board that I put so much hard work into.

Trimming the Wood

Final Skimming

Signing My Name

Crafting the surfboard had many steps and each one was important. I think the process can be used as a metaphor for life. Each step mattered, even when it felt small, like when I was skimming the surface of the board. I found joy in each one and worked hard. They added up and created a work of art. I hope that in each step I take in my life, that I can find the joy as they are all adding up to create my life story. While shaping the board, I talked with Michael and he told me stories about his journey. It was inspiring to hear how he got to where he is today and I hope one day I can share my experiences with someone, and it have the same effect. I went into my project thinking that I would learn more about my seasonal hobby and I came out knowing way more than just how to shape a surfboard.

The STEP project I participated in was the Total Photography trip that took place in Oregon and Washington. During the duration of this trip, our group of 12 students traveled to many places in Oregon and Washington to learn, practice, and hone our photography skills. In addition, we later learned to edit these pictures in a variety of ways that enhanced aspects of the images or created an intended perspective.

The main realizations I had during this trip primarily related to my sense of self, my abilities, and my place in the world. For my sense of self, I realized that I was much more capable of handling stressful circumstances and traveling to unfamiliar places on my own without needing to rely on others for confirmation. I also realized that I was able to set aside my fears and try out new things that I never would have thought about attempting before. For my abilities, I learned that I was capable of understanding and implementing different artistic methods and frames in order to create shots that were unique to myself and how I wanted to share the scenes I was viewing. And finally, for my place in the world, as we traveled to all of these amazing locations that were mostly grand in scale I had this realization of just how large the world was outside of the very confined towns and cities where I have spent my life, and how momentary my life appears compared to these structures that have existed for hundreds of years.

There were many memorable moments during the trip that contributed towards the changes I expressed earlier, but among those are a select few that shine brighter than the rest. First, seeing the ocean for the first time. Of course I’ve seen it in movies and pictures but before my trip, I had never been anywhere near a large body of water. So, when we finally made it to the west coast and suddenly everything was just water in all directions for as long as I could see, there was some sort of new connection in my mind that I can’t fully explain beyond just understanding how small I was compared to the world. 

Second, the night after our first day of taking pictures at the Japanese Garden in Oregon. Half of the time, I was wandering around trying to find interesting shots and googling camera settings for specific types of landscapes, and the other half was taking the same picture over and over again while minutely adjusting one setting at a time and taking at least 5-15 pictures of the same thing. Looking back on my images that night, I noticed how over the course of the day, with some assistance from both of my mentors, my pictures got better and more unique compared to the ones I took on my phone from the same locations. It made me realize my improvement in real time, and was a source of encouragement that I was capable of capturing good images. 

Third, our last day as a group where we set up a presentation of our favorite images and each person presented and talked about their thoughts and intentions behind each picture. This sticks out in my mind because it felt like everyone was connecting with each other in a way that couldn’t be replicated with those who were not on the trip. There were pictures of the same general location, but the angles, colors, and feel of the images were vastly different, which was one of the main goals of the trip, to grow and learn our own style. I feel like everyone accomplished this, and it was nice to see our mentors proud of the progress we all made over the course of a week.

This trip was very important in teaching me things about myself, both as a learning experience as well as being a test for pushing beyond my mental and physical limits if I wanted to get the full experience. My mindset about how I view myself and my priorities in life have changed in response to this amazing experience, and is one that I will remember and apply those teachings to other areas of my life. I’ve learned how important it is to simply slow down and take time for myself and that sometimes you will mess up, but in the grand order of things there will always be another opportunity that will arise to meet you if you are patient and willing to put the effort in. 

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a nature photography trip in Oregon. This project and trip led myself and other Ohio State students through some of the best natural parks the country has to offer. We were also able to learn about taking photos from professional photographer Tony Small, who also led us through tutorials on using Lightroom and Photoshop.

I’ve always loved taking photos, and have been using my camera since before this trip, however nature photography was never really something I partook in. I’m someone who moves through life pretty quickly, and so even when I go to natural parks I rarely stay in the spot for more tan a few minutes. This trip forced me to break these habits, and to truly observe what is around me and fully take it in. I truly felt at one with the world on this trip, rarely reaching for my phone or thinking about the next thing I’m going to do, instead just fully and mindfully existing in each moment.

Through talking with park rangers, and Tony Small, who also had a surprisingly large amount of knowledge about the natural world in addition to photography, I was able to learn about Oregon’s biodiversity as well, something I didn’t expect to leave knowing so much about. I was shocked at the large range of climates Oregon was home to, and how one park could be snowing while another could be 70 degrees.

There was also something so magical about seeing wild animals in their natural habitats, like the seal pictured above. It’s something zoo can truly replicate, try as they might. I went into this trip seeing it as a way to disconnect from my daily life and take a break from thinking about school, however I think it ended up being a breakthrough instead. As a social and environmental geography major, I’ve always placed more emphasis on social geography, studying people and how they interact with the world. I felt like this trip allowed me to appreciate the environmental science aspect of my studies, and after talking to a park employee about his work and research, I honestly think I may even pursue an outdoors nature career instead after I graduate, or at least take some classes in the time I have left. I’m grateful to have gone on this trip when I did, at the halfway mark in my college career, because it really did change the trajectory of my career.

I did experience a major setback during this trip, however: dropping my camera in the water, any photographer’s worst nightmare. Naturally, I had a panic attack and started crying. However, advisors Pat and Tony as well as all the students alongside me were incredibly supportive, and we ended up stopping the next day at Best Buy to get me a new one. I had been debating on upgrading my equipment anyways, so the whole incident felt like the universe telling me to go for it. I’m incredibly proud of how I handled the situation, because, as someone who struggles with extreme anxiety among other issues, something like this would admittedly cause me to completely fall apart. I did almost consider flying home early for a brief moment. I’m pleasantly surprised at my strength and resilience in the face of these negative thoughts, and I’m glad I stuck it out because my favorite sights and experiences were after doing so.

While I missed photographing with my camera some sights in the period of not having camera, and while not every photo I took was amazing, some not even salvageable by Photoshop and Lightroom, I was able to learn something new about the photography process through every setback. Being left with only a tiny film camera I brought with me during the period of time where I didn’t have a DSLR, I learned more about using it and about the value of each individual photo. When you take photos with a digital camera, you don’t think about each individual photo’s value; you get as many good photos of each spot as you can. However, when you are limited by the number of exposures on a film roll, you are forced to meticulously craft one creative, unique shot. This skill is something highly underrated in the modern world of phone cameras and DSLRs, but it truly does force your hand into being as creative as possible.

Although I had experience taking photos prior to this trip, I lacked the understanding of each element that goes into taking a photo that I have now. It’s a valuable skill in of itself to be able to look at a photo you took and know exactly what settings could have made the photo better. Whether it’s dropping my camera or ruining a pair of shoes on a hike, every setback was worth it because I left Oregon a better photographer and a new version of myself.

The beach at Santa Monica.

My STEP Signature Project began with a three-day photography workshop in Los Angeles, led by noted photographer Stephen Wilkes and titled “The Art of Seeing”. A week-long road trip followed the workshop, taking me from California across Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, and affording me the opportunity to visit and photograph some of the most scenic locations of the American West. Additionally, I reunited with family members living in those states whom I had not seen for several years.

The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

In choosing this Signature Project I’d hoped to develop both my skills and interest in photography as a hobby. Not only was this goal accomplished, but I additionally developed a new way of seeing the world. Originally, I’d thought it necessary to visit national parks and other natural landmarks to capture worthwhile photographs; but after attending the workshop led by Mr. Wilkes, I discovered that there is always beauty to be found in everyday places, people, and objects. You’re just as likely to find something beautiful to photograph in 50 square feet as you are in 50 square miles.

Renowned photographer Stephen Wilkes in UCLA’s Hammer Museum.

The three-day workshop led by Mr. Wilkes, which was hosted by the Los Angeles Center of Photography, began with a presentation regarding Mr. Wilkes’ life, career, and philosophies. It was truly fascinating learning about Mr. Wilkes’ work for National Geographic, his documentation of pre-restoration Ellis Island, and his famed “Day to Night” series. He also shared with us some of his more recent projects, which involve layering two images in a process not dissimilar to double exposure. Over the next two days, Mr. Wilkes walked us through his methods of capturing and editing images. After a class fieldtrip to UCLA’s Hammer Museum – where we were encouraged to photograph the exhibits, the visitors, and each other – Mr. Wilkes helped us analyze and edit our own images. This approach to learning was both exciting and effective, although I suspect it would be difficult to apply to any subject other than photography.

Bighorn Sheep in the Valley of Fire.

The workshop featured only seven other students in addition to myself, and essentially was run as a college seminar. I appreciated this format, which allowed for inspired discussions between myself, my peers, and Mr. Wilkes.  For the entire duration of the workshop I felt very fortunate to be able to speak and work directly with such a distinguished photographer. I was also surprised to find myself becoming friends with my classmates, as we came from different backgrounds; I was the youngest among the workshop’s attendees, and my seven peers were almost exclusively middle-aged or retired. However, we bonded over our shared love of photography, which we universally agreed to be “the art of capturing beauty.”

A very spiky cactus in Arizona’s Virgin River Gorge.

Before departing Los Angeles I visited and photographed several notable locations, including the Hollywood sign at Mt. Lee, the nearby Griffith Observatory, as well as the beach and pier of Santa Monica. From Los Angeles I drove to the nearby town of Moreno Valley to photograph Lake Perris. After leaving California, I briefly visited Las Vegas before heading to the beauteous Valley of Fire State Park. Crossing from Nevada into Utah meant passing through a small portion of Arizona, where I stopped to photograph the scenic Virgin River Gorge.  As most of my family members who live out West are situated in Salt Lake City, I was able to visit Utah’s famous Great Salt Lake along with the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats.

Natural stone arch in the Valley of Fire.

I am grateful that this photography workshop and subsequent road-trip allowed me to reunite with family members I hadn’t seen for years. My experience led to a great deal of self-reflection, along with ruminations on the nature of the world we live in. The primary value of this project, I think, came with the realization that there’s no need to travel in search of beautiful subjects to photograph. Opportunities for worthwhile moments to capture are ever-present no matter where you are. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder – or, in this case, the photographer’s lens. That is not to say that travel is an unrewarding pursuit; personally, visiting and exploring new places is one of my favorite hobbies. But we should all break free of the fallacy that we must travel far and wide – “anywhere but home” – in order to find true beauty or meaning.

Four-thousand year old petroglyphs on Atlatl Rock in the Valley of Fire.

Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.

Viva Las Vegas!

Rock formations in the Valley of Fire.

Arizona’s Virgin River Gorge.

Interesting flowers (and clouds) near Utah’s Pineview Reservoir.

The beach at Santa Monica.

Flowers in UCLA’s Botanical Garden.

Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.

Monochrome clouds.

Colorful clouds.

My Grandfather’s dog, Griff.

A curious Bighorn Sheep in the Valley of Fire.

Tree and mountain near Lake Perris in Moreno Valley.

Flowers in UCLA’s Botanical Garden.

Arizona’s Virgin River Gorge.

Rock formations in the Valley of Fire.

Look at all those chickens!

In UCLA’s Botanical Garden.

Utah’s Pineview Reservoir.