Today is the last day of our senior celebration week! The $500 scholarship will be announced on instagram later today. Keep up with the action over there! We are blessed by each and every senior we have the opportunity to work with and it sure has been fun to celebrate and honor them this week! Today I am chatting a bit about life after high school and what that looked like for me. Photography was not in the horizon when I graduated….life has a way of evolving and changing as we grow up.

Where did you work during high school?
While in high school, I worked at a Twin Kiss throwing together subs and making cheese steaks. Crazy thing is, I still enjoy stopping by this very same Twin Kiss today with my family. Yep, makes me feel old and like maybe I should get out more! Ha. But their fresh cut french fries win me over every time.

Did you go to straight to college after high school? Why or why not?
Nope, college was not even on my radar. College was not something my parents expected us to do or even suggested. Instead, life was approached a bit more ‘practical’. Building businesses, farming, being creative with our talents, and working for and supporting successful local businesses was encouraged and embraced. A strong work ethic and a determination to make a good living with the resources at hand were valued.

What did life look like after high school / college graduation?
I loved learning and sought out a job that challenged me and brought a sense of fulfillment. My first real job after high-school was as an interior landscaper. I traveled to nearby cities and cared for the plants and gardens inside hospitals, large office complexes, schools, and small business. As a timid 18 year old, driving to new areas and going into big new places with all new faces sure put me way out of my comfort zone. But eventually I loved that this job allowed me to meet many people from many walks of life. All the while, working with something that made everybody happy; green plants. This job required long days, driving a distance, and a lot of walking; but I always loved the ‘hard work’ aspect of this job and took pride in what I did. Christmas was extra fun and festive, because I would bring lots and lots of poinsettias to my clients.

How did you end up at CHAR co?
I ‘fell’ into photography after I had my second child. At that time I was a full time mother. I was not looking for a job or a trade….it kinda found me. I was gripped with an intense passion to learn this thing called ‘photography’ and learn it well. Having recently and suddenly lost my mother, I knew that life was too short to just ‘coast’ and do what was expected. I was ready to run, learn about myself, and live life with intention. As I talk about here, the journey from being a full time mother to owning a business was one I walked with my heart, soul, and tears. My mantra as I began shooting, was this…God, show me the next step and I will take it. Today I am so thankful for His faithfulness.

Is there anything you want to share with a high school graduate?
Strive for excellence, but not perfection. Don’t let fear hold you back….we all have fear that wants tell us we are crazy. Work hard but not too hard that you don’t have time for play. Meet new people, they will expand your perspective and give you a fresh way to see the world. Believe in yourself and trust your gut….but not so much that you forget that another person’s perspective may be just as valid as yours. Life evolves. Allow it to evolve…..:)