Ryan

Photographer, soon-to-be Senior and my guy Senior Representative for 2015!

I have known Ryan for a couple years now as he has been an aspiring photographer. He has shadowed with me and worked with me on a photo session recently. So, imagine my excitement when I learned that Ryan wanted to be a part of my journey and become one of my Senior Representatives! What I am always surpised by is that I get to become a part of their journey as well. But becoming my Senior Rep isn't all Ryan is involved in. As a current Junior at Fossil Ridge High School, he is involved in many things but especially his church, family and his photography. He is a very dedicated and loving person that I learned gave up part of his summer to go on a Missions Trip to El Salvador last year and hopes to return again soon. 

During his trip, he along with a group of students not only built a retaining wall around a school but also built 21 Eco Stoves! Now, what is an Eco Stove you ask? Don't worry...I already Googled it for you...(yes, don't pick on me but Google truly does know everything ;-) An Eco Stove is a stove that not only saves lives but money and trees! So, for countries such as El Salvador these stoves are very beneficial. I checked out a website called ENLACE which is the company that helped show mission students from Timberline Church such as Ryan how to build these amazing stoves. He spent approximately 7 days in the country and it was a life changing experience!

Having Ryan in front of my lens was truly an honor! I knew with every push of my shutter that he is going to be exactly where he says he wants to go! Plus, having a young colleague in front of my lens was so exciting...I know we are only seeing the beginning of a very bright future from this amazing young man! 

So, what is in store for Ryan and his future? Well, he plans to go to CSU in Fort Collins, CO after his Senior year is complete. He plans to major in photography and design and begins to take college design classes this fall. Ryan hopes to get his photography printed and published someday, and I have no doubt that this inspirational teenager will do just that!!