I have always strove to be a better version of myself throughout high school and tried many things. I never thought The Feather Online would build me into the person I am today.

Although I have only been in the program for this year, I’ve recognized how much I am accomplishing. The first semester wasn’t easy; writing has always been hard for me, so learning all the journalistic skills as fast as everyone challenged me. I was eager to become a better writer and develop new skills on a camera. Today, photography has become my passion.

Gaining confidence has been one of the many benefits of being a part of this team. My adviser, Kori Friesen, has successfully prepared me to take pictures in any type of lighting and be professional in presenting myself.

The Feather has a strong foundation of successful achievements but with that are many challenges. Though I love the program and what it stands for, even I struggle to not give up. Deadlines, photo requests and processing often overwhelm me; I started to feel like I wasn’t good enough. However, after having a heartfelt talk with Friesen, her encouragement kept me going and inspired me to become better. 

I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given because of The Feather. I went from shooting my school’s worship chapels to photographing professional climber, photographer, and Academy award-winning film director Jimmy Chin and former White House Chief of Staff, John F. Kelly. 

Thank you so much to my amazing advisers Kori Friesen and Greg Stobbe for encouraging and helping me grow in myself!

For more Feather photos, visit media, photos 2019-20.