Developing as an artist has been a gradual process that has allowed me to wholly accept myself. Art has given me an outlet through which I express my joy, experiences, and challenges in life. The medium through which I can most precisely convey my emotions is photography. With my camera, I have found independence, confidence, and my identity. This identity helped me overcome the challenge of deafness.

            At the age of sixteen, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Meinere’s Disease, a chronic illness that has changed my life. Because of this disease, I have lost about half of my hearing and experience other complications that can make everyday tasks challenging and painful. However, the decline in my hearing did not limit my ability to flourish in the visual arts. Through practicing photography, I found serenity.

            After graduating high school, I attended Rochester Institute of Technology, one of two Deaf universities in the United States. At RIT, I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees, and learned how to thrive through American Sign Language and other methods of communication. My talent has enabled me to create a successful self-run business. I have professionally shot events, filmed weddings, and conducted dozens of individual portrait sessions. Photography has given me an identity as an artist and allowed me to fully find myself. I have grown to see that deafness is not a disadvantage and through my camera, I can observe the visual beauty surrounding me. I see the world through the lens of my camera and capture every detail and person I meet artistically. I am not only deaf or hard of hearing, but successful and confident in myself and my abilities. Although my disease is a challenge, it has also been a catalyst for me to find my identity as a photographer.