Past | Present | Future...

For many years now, I have wanted to take my photography to the next level. I've desired a higher education for photography.

Since at least 2003 I always thought I would end up in California. I thought I would end up at The Brooks Institute of Photography. For yeeeeeears I had many people telling me that school was a waste of my time and money and that if I truly wanted a good photography education, my best bet would be to find someone to assist/intern with.

I don't know why, but I always had my heart set on California. Maybe it's because I'm from Arizona, and a huge part of me misses that heat and sun on a daily basis? 9 times out of 10 when I would tell someone I wanted to move to California to "make it", they told me that if I was actually serious about it- I needed to be in New York, not California.

I will never forget the day my dad came home from my brothers parent-teacher conferences and told me about a photographer who was the father of one of my brothers classmates. He did his best to stress to my dad how important it would be for me to be in New York, not California. And my dad did his best to pass the message along. Like a robot I said "I know, I know. But California is where I want to be."

I knew right then that I was lying to myself.

Would I love to live in a city that never gets below 70〫? Would I love to live close to the ocean? Would I love to live near one of my best friends from high school? Yes, yes, yes.

Do I agree that NY is a better place for me, and what I want to do? Absolutely, 100%.

This move to NY has been a year+ in the making.

When I made the decision to make this move, I always said I would go- weather or not I could find someone to go with me.

I never dreamed that I would be so lucky to not only find one person to go with me, but two wonderful women. (plus one, but I don't know him... I'll make sure to fill you all in once we've met :) I am so glad that I'm not doing this on my own. I can't imagine my life being any other way right now.

Shortly after the 4th of July weekend, I spoke with my froommate (future roommate) Emily and she expressed to me that she had been entertaining the thought of heading to NY about a month earlier than originally planned. I thought about it for about 2 weeks before I decided that I would go with her. I'm very happy here in Omaha, and I've really enjoyed my summer here- but I need to stop living like I'm a high schooler on summer vacation. It's time to get serious. And there is no time like the present, right?

After many phone calls, emails, text messages, chat sessions... Emily and I decided that it would make the most sense to drive my car to North Carolina (where my parents and brothers just moved) and take the train from NC to NYC. While of course the train is going to take almost 5 times the amount it would take it would to fly- the cost benefits far outweighed the travel time. Did you know you can get a train ticket and up to SIX bags for at least $70 less than if you were to fly?! <- Just a little tip from me to you.

My last bit of time here in Nebraska is very surreal. People are constantly asking me, "Are you ready?", "Are you packed?", "Are you excited?". Am I ready? Mentally, yes. Physically, no. I have not packed much up- but plan on taking the next 2.5 days to do so.

Am I excited?

Excited doesn't even begin to explain the way I feel right now.

I have never felt more sure of anything in my life- and it's about to start happening in just a few short days.

I am so thankful, and grateful for all the wonderful people I have met here in Nebraska. Please know that my summer would not have been the same without each and every one of you.

Thank you to all of you who follow my blog and care enough to read about what I have to say.

Please stay tuned, as the next chapter of my life is about to be written.