As I grew up without a father, I was raised by my mom, sister, and grandmother. These three women have significantly impacted my life, and I wanted to showcase their influence. Each woman featured has taught me something different in life, and I will carry it with me as I continue to age.
Jen
She has done an impeccable job raising two children as a single mom. She put my sister and me through school without anyone else's help. My mom taught me how to be a better human. She never disrespected anyone and always wanted to help whoever she could. I embraced those ideologies to make the world a better place by doing my part in treating others as people. My mom has supported every decision I have made, even going into college as an astrophysics major. But I eventually opened my eyes and switched to graphic design and photography. I'm artistic because of her. I always watched her draw and paint while growing up, so it only makes sense that I adopted those traits from her.
Thank you, Mom, for everything. I love you.
Caroline
My sister, everyone. The funniest and most intelligent person I know. Usually, siblings hate each other growing up. But not us. We rarely fought or got mad at each other. I don't know whether I should be happy or not about that. But she is the one I go to for everything, whether it's how to bullshit a paper for class or who to vote for in the next election. She can assess a situation so well that the outcome benefits everyone somehow. I wish to be as good as her, but I'm slowly learning. Caroline never fails to make me laugh. Her humor is one-of-a-kind, and I'm glad to have her as my sister. And I'm sorry for laughing at your pain when you get hurt. Maybe that's the mean brother in me, but you get a kick out of it, too.
Love you bruv
Oma
Or, in English, grandma. Oma used to pick up all four kids in my family when we were in elementary school since my mom and aunt worked until 5 pm. I remember watching VHS tapes in the living room and having her help with our homework. She took care of us as a grandma would. As a librarian, she made me do the summer reading for school even though I wouldn't say I liked reading. I still don't read to today. But Oma had my best at heart. Even nowadays, I will visit her to talk about anything and everything. Oma has taught me how to be a listener; that may be part of why I'm so quiet. I will forever be grateful for Oma, and I don't think any four kids would have asked for a better grandma. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of everyone in my family when I say:
We love you Oma
Sarah
The most beautiful woman in the world. I still wonder today how she is my girlfriend. Thank you for accepting me into your life. And into your family. Every day, I become a better man because of Sarah. We've had our highs and lows but we are in this together for the long run. She has taught me how to be a better communicator, which is the number one thing a relationship must have. Day by day, I open up more from the shy and quiet person I am. My music taste has expanded because of her, and I never thought I would be listening to so many different artists this year. And I thank her for being patient with me as I learn Spanish. One day, I will be able to have an entire conversation with her and her family.
Te amo eternamente
Zee
I now know what it means to have a best friend. Zee and I had this special connection that no one else could have. We would have random staring contests, and it would last forever. Zee was the most spectacular dog anyone could ask for. I'm so happy that I got to be her owner. No matter what she did, she always made me laugh, even if it was her silent bark. I will always want another pug from now on, but no dog will ever compare to her.
I love you, Zee
Me
Being raised by women, I see the world from a different perspective. I am more sympathetic and empathetic than other men. I know there are plenty of other men out there like me, but I feel as though we are still put into the stereotypical male category. I am still afraid to show my emotions to those I love because of the stereotype that men need to be mentally strong. Another thing that makes me stand out is that I never really liked sports. I would rather spend my time being creative. Everyone I meet usually always points out that I paint my nails and wear rings. Because of that, people think that I am gay or bisexual, and there would be nothing wrong with that if that were true. Men are allowed to express themselves however they want to.
I started this project my senior year at the beginning of my thesis. I wanted to ask people in my life if I could take a picture of their eyes and question them on their life and how they see the world. You never know what is going on in someone’s life until you ask or if they are open to share. I want to keep expanding this project and ask random strangers on the street to push myself out of my comfort zone. The reasoning for capturing their eyes and answers is because I want to get a better understanding of how people experience life.
I asked everyone the following questions.
1. What is your name?
2. Can you describe a bit of your background of who you are?
3. What are some hardships that have shaped you to be the person you are today? Or what are some prejudices you’ve encountered in your lifetime?
4. What is one message you want the world to know?
5. What’s your favorite part of your job or life?
6. Do you have a most memorable memory?
7. What’s your biggest fear in life?
8. How do you contribute to conservation and biodiversity?
9. Do you have any regrets?
