Decisions; life is full of decisions. Decisions to attend MATC, decisions to graduate, decisions about our future, whatever it may hold.

I feel so undecided about my life right now. There are so many great things going on at the moment, but at the same time I feel so undecided about the future.

My friend gave me great advice though. She asked, “What are you doing now?  You are worrying about the future. The future is now the present. Focus on the now.”

Now! Right now, life is stressful. We’re all preparing for the end of the semester. It doesn’t matter if you’re graduating or not, we all have finals, papers and projects to complete. At the same time, when I walk through the halls of MATC, I think I’m going to miss this.

I’ve made so many great friends at MATC. I’ve met a lot of faculty, staff and students. Much of that is due to my time on the MATC Times. Deciding to join the MATC Times was one of the best decisions of my life; it is one I will not regret.

Being on the Times has opened so many doors for me. I photographed Kareem Abdul Jabbar, a former NBA star. I photographed senators, the mayor, and the president of MATC, Dr. Vicki Martin.

I had the pleasure of speaking with so many wonderful people during interviews, and I had the freedom to pitch ideas for stories.

I know that not everyone wants to be a writer, photographer or graphic designer, but if I could give a bit of advice, find something you are passionate about and pursue it, not only here at MATC, but in life.

Maya Angelou, author of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” said, “You can only be accomplished at something you truly love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and do them so well, people can’t take their eyes off of you.”

If you can combine both your passion and a career, then you truly are blessed. The MATC Times has allowed me to combine both my passions; as a photographer and a writer. It’s opened up my calling in life. I want to be a photojournalist.

I’ve spoken with photographers in the industry and they all say the same thing — don’t do it! They are not trying to be mean, just realistic. Photojournalism is a hard industry to break into, especially since print newspapers are struggling so much.

There is quite the influx of photographers cropping up these days. Since most people own a smartphone, anyone can take a picture. It’s not the same as someone who has studied photography. It’s not the same as a professional. There is a great difference between taking a picture and making a picture.

Lighting, composition, and color balance are just a few things that make up the curriculum at MATC. Photography literally means light writing. Understanding light is no easy task.

My photography teachers, John Glembin, Jim Buivid and Maria Ellen Huebner, have all helped shape me into the photographer I am today. They have prepared me for the work world. They have encouraged and challenged me. To them, I would like to say thank you.

I also want to thank my classmates. They helped push me to be better, and encouraged me when I was unsure. They are the ones I will miss the most.

Walking down the halls I feel so confident, so sure about my life, but once I think of my life outside of these halls, life isn’t as sure.

So for now, I’m going to live in the now and enjoy my last few weeks at MATC. I’m going to take pleasure in walking the halls and saying hi to the friends I’ve made.

And as for the future, well, we’ll see where I end up. I’d love to continue to be a photojournalist, but no matter what, I will never stop being a photographer.