Room 620
Dear Room 620,
I can remember sitting in Mr. Baltz’s photography class when professional photographers would visit and I can’t recall asking any questions. I thought that photographers or artists were rare people and that kids from working class families had to make more stable and sensible career choices. I knew I loved looking at Mary Ellen Mark’s photographs in the books that Mr. Baltz kept on the bookshelves because she photographed people and places in the world that I longed to meet. Nothing up to that point had ever made me feel more creative and curious about life than shooting a roll of film and working in the dark to make something from the negatives but I never thought that I could earn a living making photographs. It seemed out of reach for me.
I was humbled and overwhelmed with your thoughtful questions during class and I was inspired by your emails. Instead of responding to each one individually I thought that I would answer some of your questions here for everyone. Many of you asked about college, and wanted to know where to go and what to study. I feel very ill-equipped to answer this question because I don’t know the “right answer” for you. I had my first panic attack in the JTHS office when my home economics teacher asked us to write a paper on what we wanted to be when we left high school. I felt an immense pressure to live up to all the possibilities and I started letting that question bully my self-esteem. I wrote my paper in that class about wanting to be a rockstar that lived in Russia and I started having nose bleeds when It was time to start applying to colleges. I went to JJC because financially it made more sense for me to pay a fraction of the costs for general education classes and to transfer to a university later. I chose Columbia College when I transferred because they didn’t have sports teams, school songs or fraternities/sororities and I could commute while still living at home and saving money. Also I knew I wanted to get my degree in photography and I thought it was important to have access to a darkroom and alternative processes because that was my first love. I thought buying things like lenses and equipment were more important than living in the dorm or going to parties so the sacrifice of not living on campus and lots of nights on the train were worth it to me.
I can tell you that I wanted to drop out of college a million times for a million different reasons but I loved my photography classes and I loved the perspective shift I got in classes like women and gender studies, comparative religion, philosophy and world governments. College is shamefully expensive and many of you said that you wanted to visit countries solely because you heard the education was free so an arguement I have for going to college instead of just the library is that a college education is an investment in you, in your world view and your ability to be empowered by knowledge and critical thinking. I think if that sounds like something you desire you are worth it and student loans are worth the risk.
Many of you asked about owning your own business and whether that was worth it or not. I am sure you have heard the quote “If you don’t build your dream someone will hire you to help build theirs.” I think now more than ever economic independence is power and I tell my sister "you vote with your dollar." I encourage all of you to imagine the kind of life that will make you the happiest, work hard and chase it. I never wanted to own a business, I wanted to make photographs and I had to learn and continue to learn everything else about being a business owner along the way. I am my own marketing & PR person, I am the receptionist, the bookkeeper, the photo-editor, the web designer, blogger (and unfortunately grammar and spelling editor), client contact and finally photographer. It’s overwhelming but I do it because I can keep making photographs. If this still hasn’t deterred you from wanting to start your own business know that most business don’t make a profit their first year and maybe by the second year they make a small profit, so start now, learn as much as you can and keep going. If you’re still curious about entrepreneurship local glass artist, Sue Regis did an interview about being an artist and owning a business last year for Rabbit Hearted Girls.
Finally, many of you asked for advice on how to become a professional photographer and to that my answer is simple. Make pictures. We talked in class about how the total number of photographs present on Facebook is 10,000 times greater than the total number of photographs that can be found in the US Library of Congress. Photographs in US Library of Congress are a documentation of US history since its very beginning. While that can be disheartening be encouraged that there is plenty of room in the industry for how you see the world. We are at an unprecedented age for image makers and storytellers because never in the history of the world has it been easier to take a photo; the equipment is often in our pocket, our photos can reach the entire world in seconds and technology has made image capture easy. However never before has it been harder to be a photographer because the world is saturated with images and is desperately in need of intention and originality. Keep making photographs if you really love it and ask yourself what you love to see. Passionately pursue that love like an obsession and keep trying to make photographs that say something new. Add to the conversation what you want to say. You become a photographer in the process.
Thank you for your time, attention and presence. It was an honor to make photos with you all for two days and answer your questions.
'Till hell freezes over,
Alicia
Would you rather be able to see the future or change the past and what would you do?
I would rather be able to see the future because if you could see what’s coming, you could essentially change how you react to any given situation and try to prepare yourself. However, it is not knowing that makes life so interesting. What we don’t always realize is that we all have the power to change the future.
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” –Frida Kahlo
- Ms. Zmuda
Photography Teacher
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To Fly
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
I’m afraid of the ocean.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I may be shy but I’m spontaneous and if you get to know me I’m pretty great. And I have a big heart also I’m very forgiving
-Haley Mayfield
someone that inspires me the most is my sister. she is always telling me to go for what I dream and don't let anything get in the way.
one thing I can say I am afraid of is living without my mom. I had my mom by my side for so long that if I lose her I would be hurt.
one thing I would like the world to know about me is, I am very kind, caring, outgoing, and I am loyal to my friends and whomever I'm with. I am also a friendly person and would tell my friend advice anytime they need it.
-Kimberly Bell
Who inspires you the most?
Failure and my older brothers, they show the way for me and I learn from them both every day.
What breaks my heart?
When a strong relationship is broken between two people and their egos.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
Simply that I like to smile
- Ethan Finch
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“The fact that we are so capable of love but still choose to be toxic”
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Be yourself, love yourself before loving someone else
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I’m complicated
-Karina Reyes
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ― Albert Einstein
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
To live how you want.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
My passion for photography
-Ruben Onate
If you could meet anyone in history, who would you choose?
Jesus MF Christ
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
do it for the kids
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I'm not a crazy dumb kid
- Bertin Vertin (Right)
Photo taken during class by student Ruben Onate
There is many people who has inspired me but Ali Krieger is the first that comes into mind. She makes me work harder for my goals and says that I can reach for it if I put in the dedication and hard work. Another thing is when she receives hate she turns it into strength and proves people wrong.
The best thing about being a teen is being able to find out who you want to be and what you want to do. And the worst thing is always being stressed out in school and trying to fit into society.
"May we all be happy and free" describes my world view the best. Every single person on this earth should be happy and free with whoever they want to love or whatever they want to do."
-Angela Hernandez
The one superpower I want is telekinesis because then I wouldn’t have to get up and get the remote while I’m comfortable with my food in my lap.
I would like to meet a person that is artistic like Picasso I would like to ask him what inspired him to do something so creative.
What advice do you have for a large group of people?
It’s better to have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
-Stefanie Reyes
My favorite story that I have loved since I was a kid is Spirit the Stallion of the Cimarron Clan because it’s a story about a horse who fights to regain his freedom and to protect his homeland and family.
If I could meet anyone in history it would be King Henry the first and I would ask him about the crusades.
This quote describes me the best " Be yourself. People don't have to like you, and you don't have to care."
One thing I want the world to know about me is that I work hard in everything I do.
-Guadalupe Antonio
What is your favorite story & why?
Forged By Fire. Even though Gerald went through a hard life he still didn’t take bad routes.
What breaks my heart?
Making my family disappointed.
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Don’t make bad choices, don’t get pressured into doing stupid stuff.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
That I never meant to hurt the people I did.
- Romeo Fortunato
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would like to have the ability to fly to travel the world for free.
What's the worst thing about being a teen?
The worst thing about being a teen is trying to transition into adulthood and balancing the stress of thinking about college, work, school work, grades, and social life.
-Clarissa Del Rio
Who inspires you the most?
I'd have to say my girlfriend inspires me the most. I would love to have to have the courage she has. To be so strong and intelligent. She inspires me to do better everyday and know that it's ok to have bad days because we're humans.
What breaks your heart?
When people are cruel to animals and each other.
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Always be yourself. You don't have to go to college it takes time to know what you truly want and that's ok. Don't let anyone walk all over you.
-Yasmine Barron
Who inspires you the most?
My friends, my photo teacher and finally me.
What breaks my heart?
TV shows and the way they end.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To travel the world.
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
To be yourself and don’t let other judge you for who you are.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I hope to get better and see the possibility in things.
-Emily Arellano
Hi Alicia this is Charlene , I want to thank u for coming out and teaching me the true value of taking pictures of people. You truly inspire me because you made me realize to be just me and I want to say thank you for everything you have done when you came here. I will always look up to you and support you as well. One thing I hope the world knows about me I'm truly a different person I never give up. you just need to keep a smile and show what you love to do.
- Charlene Rush
Who inspires you the most?
A: Majesty M: Alivia
What breaks my heart?
A: Seeing people go through things that I’ve experienced.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
M: The ability to become what/whoever I want.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
A: Hitler, what have you been through that made you this way?
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
M: Becoming a failure
What's the best thing about being a teen?
M: The freedom of finding yourself, the carelessness, and the curiosity, trying to see what limits there are and how far you can push them and also the lessons life teaches you as you grow.
What's the worst thing about being a teen?
A: The pressure of growing up.
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
M: “We ain’t meant to survive cause it’s a setup, but even though your fed up, you gotta keep your head up.” - Tupac Shakur
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
A: Learn from your mistakes and don’t let them define you as a person or put you back in the same place you were trying to get out of.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
A: I gave it all I got
- Majesty & Alivia
Who inspires you the most?
myself
What breaks my heart?
Being taken advantage of
If you could meet anyone in history, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
I'd talk to past me and tell her not to stress over little things.
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
Rejection
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Don’t dwell on what you can’t change.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I try to do the right thing.
- Christina Beach
If you could meet anyone in history, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
I’ll want to meet my grandparents and I would ask them personal questions like how’s life in Mexico for them.
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
Being alone
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“Slay your demons”
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Learn from your mistakes and don’t continue doing the same mistake.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
Nothing, I like being not known by people.
-Christopher Garcia
What inspires me most?
My family because they motivate me to be the best I can be and to become my best self.
If I had to give advice to a large group of people I would say:
stay humble, don't let people walk over you, but also be caring, hope-hearted and willing to forgive. don't let the little things get to you
One thing I hope the world knows about me is that I also stayed true to myself and was loving.
-Keliana Travis
If you could have a superpower?
I would read people’s minds. People are very confusing and it sometimes gets to me when I can’t tell what someone’s thinking. Although I would want to be able to choose when I can read someone’s mind because for certain people I wouldn’t to know what they think, of me in general.
What's the best thing about being a teen?
Honestly, I’m not sure what the best thing about being a teen is. I think living life in general is pretty good because the teenage years are the fun years, so far.
What's the worst thing about being a teen?
The worst thing about being a teen definitely has to be the process of figuring out how to go from being a child to being an adult. Teenagers, in my opinion, have so much pressure on them in regards to having to figure out what they want to be like in the future.
- Sabrina Godinez
The thing that breaks my heart is when people bully others.
A superpower that I would like to have is invisibility.
The thing I most fear is the end of the world
My favorite song is Starlight by Muse:
"Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations"
- Alec Campbell
Who inspires you the most?
My parents inspire me the most
What is your favorite story & why?
My favorite story is Mulan because it shows a girl overcoming stereotypes and earning her respect.
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
The unknown
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Things you look for are things you find
- Jaqueline Salgado
Who inspires you the most?
My mother inspires me the most because she is best person I know.
What breaks my heart?
When people eat my food that I saved for myself.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be able to go invisible, like no one would be able to see me. I could do a lot of things, just walking around invisible.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
I would talk to Benjamin Franklin and ask him to tell everyone at his time to make the declaration of independence more clear.
What's the worst thing about being a teen?
No one knows how to not act like a 5-year-old, it’s always someone who ruins things for you and your emotions are so out of control. It’s hard to really understand myself sometimes.
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
Never be afraid to take chances in life, always look ahead, only look back to remember the past not relive it. Don’t let others choose your path, make your own.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I just hope people understand that I am an emotional teenager who loves to laugh and make the most of life. I hope they know that I intend to thrive in the best way possible and no one is going to stop me or stand in my way.
-Mozzel Rodriguez
My mom inspires me because she's so strong and tells me every day she wants the best for me.
My heart breaks for a lot of things even for the oddest reasons.
What is the one thing in the world you are most afraid of?
Not living everyday like it’s the last
If I had the chance to spend a million dollars I would invest it in people who don’t have much or for people who can’t afford an education
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“we're just hanging around and burning it down”
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I wasn’t extraordinary but I'm exceptional
- Matana Glunz
I chose the picture of Ben Weinman from the band 'The Dillinger escape plan' that I took at riot fest in Chicago last year. I chose this picture to represents who I am because I prefer being behind the camera instead of in front and also I love music and concerts.
Lastly Frida Khalo is someone who inspires me a lot. Frida was an artist and never failed to show she was proud of her roots and of herself. she was a feminist who let it be known that she did not need a man in her life to feel valid and that's something I think is very important, to not feel like you need someone to make you feel worthy.
- Paola Calderon
Who inspires you the most?
My mom and dad.
What is a song lyric, poem or quote that describes your world view best?
“she’s got her own that’s why I love her, miss independent”.
If you had to give advice to a large group of people what advice would you give?
As a teenager you’re going to have many rough and stressful things that come into your life but don’t forget that life goes on and don’t forget to do what makes you happy, and prioritize yourself.
What is one thing you hope the world knows about you?
I like to enjoy life, have fun, my family is most important to me and I like to run.
- Melissa Reyes