LOOK FOR THE HELPERS
Photos and Writing by CARMEN DITTOE
My dad died in February.Returning to school was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. These are the helpers that have kept me afloat. They are the people who make a daily effort to remind me that life is beautiful. They are the ones who heard my anguished, heartbroken cries and did all they could to keep me breathing. I owe them my life but they will never see what they did and continue to do for me as a service because they did it out of love. These people are the archetype of what love is and I hope I never lose them.
Calvin Jackson Jr., Katie’s boyfriend. He brings my goofy joy daily and doesn’t let me go an evening without laughing.
A portrait of Cammon Cooper. He is really a ray of sunshine but doesn't let the world know it. As troublesome as he can be, he has the soul of a child and needs the same kind of love you give a puppy. Loving him brightens my reality.
A portrait of Dezmon Patmon and Cammon Cooper. Together, these two are nothing but trouble. They love and fight like brothers and love me in the same way. They stress me out like no other but they are my protectors. They will never say it outloud but they'd walk the earth for me.
A portrait of Dezmon Patmon. He has been my best friend since freshman year and is the smartest, most steadfast man I know. He pushes me to be the best version of myself and loves me unconditionally. We've seen eachother through a lot--everyday he is a reminder that I am a woman of perseverence. He’s my rock, the rational version of myself, and my safe place.
A portrait of Dezmaree Patmon, Dezmon's sister. She is truly the sweetest, most wholesome girl I have ever met. Dezmaree and her family take me in as one of their own time after time and have walked alongside me in some of my hardest times.
This portrait is here to represent my job. If I fail any classes this semester, it would be because I love my job more than I could ever love school. Everyday I get to go and do what I love, part of which includes capturing these smiling faces.
This portrait is of Kassidy Woods. On Thanskgiving, he told me that being his friends makes him want to be a better man. He is one of the most validating people and doesn't let a day go by without reminding me what I am capable of.
This portrait is of Katie Jones. She is my main girl and one of my roommates. Katie is one of the most loving, understanding, funniest people I have ever met. She makes me a better person everyday. I can't express how excited I am to do life with this woman.
This is Liam Ryan. He is one of my housemates and I don't think he knows how much he means to me. We don't talk about much personal stuff, but I like it that way. He is down to spend time with me no matter what and I don't ever feel like I have to explain or justify myself.
Finally, this is a portrait of my boss Tamsyn Stronebarger (and an athlete). Everyday she validates my feelings, work ethic, needs, and capacities. She created a safe, healthy, and cohesive environment for me to learn and grow in when I needed it most. She is the best boss in the world.