Graduation: a different kind of journey.

There is no denying it, May 12, 2012 was one of the happiest days of my entire life. 

As I put myself back into the chair that stared up into the stands, I feel the same feeling in the pit of my stomach that I did that day.

However, my graduation ceremony wasn't what filled me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love, and it wasn't the awesome speech Fenton gave that inspired every single person that heard it...

I felt as though the last 5 years, packed with inspiration, all-nighters, tears of frustration, and sighs of relief, all taught me one thing: it's not the goal but the lessons you learn while trying to reach it that makes your aspirations so valuable. I've been told before that "it's not about the destination but the journey", but I never deeply knew what that meant until I crossed the stage. The best grades and the worst nights and all the times I was going to give up are what gave my graduation meaning.

There's no coincidence that the person who has taught me everything I know about integrity, discipline, and strength was by my side that day. I love you Blakers, you are the greatest man I know.

Desired Things: a beautiful, poetic understanding.

Desiderata (Desired Things)

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

the world is how you see it..

Natasha's Story.

Natasha's Story is an incredible documentation of the struggles of an Ameriasian girl that captured the heart of  

a photographer, an American family, and myself.