Passion in a Piece of Paper
Photos and Writing by Kassy Strickland
Being a senior about to graduate from college, I am surrounded by individuals giving everything they have, money, time, effort etc., to follow their dreams and reach their goals. As college students we are working unimaginably hard to earn a piece of paper in order to take one step closer to making our mark on the world. Although we all share the same drive, we are passionate about all kinds of different things.
In this photo essay I hope to display the theme, “Labor of Love,” through the passion that pushes students to keep working toward a college degree while there is no guarantee of a reward at the end of the journey other than a piece of paper. The stories and hunger to be better or make a difference are unique to every student and can reveal a lot about a person’s motives and reasoning. Each person spotlighted in this piece was staged for a serious, stale portrait to represent thier grind to earn a degree. They were then photographed during a conversation about thier passions which is displayed in thier second photograph.
"My name is Brier. I am getting a degree to set myself up for a more successful future."
"I decided on a sport management degree because of my passion for sports. I was inovlved in athletics my entire childhood and impacted by so many coaches and teammates. I feel like I will enjoy my job most by following this passion."
"My name is Kylie. I am getting a degree because I believe that higher education is a vital part in bettering our future society."
"I'm majoring in psychology and criminal justice because mental health and substance abuse is something highly stigmatized in our culture, but no one should have to be ashamed of either. By dedicating my undergraduate career to expanding my knowledge on these issues, I hope to help open the conversation surrounding the matters."
"My name is Cordae. I think earning credentials in the form of a degree is a way of proving myself. I am the first in my family to do so and I want to inspire my cousins and sister to follow in my footsteps."
"I am passionate about connecting people of all walks of life, which is why I chose to study communication. No matter where you come from, communication should not be the barrier between you and a brighter future."
"My name is Leslie. Being a first generation college student really motivates me to work hard and earn my degree because my parents were able to provide me with the opportunities they never received. I want to make them proud."
"Within the past couple years I have discovered my passion for working in sports and engaging with the community through sport. I love bringing people together and believe my degree in marketing and minor in sport management will help me make a positive impact."
"My name is Seanda. I have spent the past four years working toward a piece of paper because as long as I can remember I was told it was the right thing to do.""
"Honestly I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I think college has inspired me to follow my heart and take life one step at a time. I am passionate about the journey and seeing where life takes me."