11/27/2021
5:44pm
This past week has just been different for me. I just left my job at Pixlee Turnto and am awaiting my new job at the Ato Hospitality Group to start in the beginning of December. You can say that I’m not working now, and that I’m on this break sort of a mode. I wake up every morning just sort of going to my own rhythm and it’s been really pleasant. My own rhythm still includes work though - finishing up my photo edits, finally getting to my Spain vlogs from 2019, and suddenly planning my spontaneous trip to Colombia.
I did just have my photo exhibition too. And with that said, I want to do a quick reflection and thank certain individuals…
It’s been a great past couple of months with all the fellows and staff from the Bridge program. I got to meet bright creative individuals of all sorts of age groups. To be able to learn from some of the best in the industry without having to cough up a dime from my pocket (except from MTA fees), was truly a blessing. Justin, the lead of the program, and Duane, my mentor, took the time and the patience to make sure our needs were met. They made sure that we were in that program with a purpose, and gave us the resources we needed to continue our photography career. Through different affiliations and organizations I’ve involved myself in my lifetime so far, I recognize how much more important leadership really is. So thank you to you 2, and to the rest of the staff who have taken a chance on us.
Finally, I just want to thank my family and girlfriend, Teresa. My mother, father, brother, and grandparents were the individuals I showcased in my first ever photo exhibition. Wow. One. It was so surreal seeing my work physically up and about amongst my peers. Two. To have my family be featured as the first one is something that I wouldn’t ever change. It’s an honor to represent my own culture and family through a passion of mine. It’s strange to say, but through this project I’ve grown more comfortable with these people I call my family. Teresa has been supporting me every step of the way even before the project began, and I truly truly cherish that. It’s not one’s responsibility to be a family person. To me, though, I hold that symbol of family close to my heart. I want to continue to do right as a son, brother, grandson, boyfriend in whatever I do. This is the first showcase of mine, but it won’t be the last. Excited for what the future holds in store for me.