Photography has been one of my favorite and one of my most memorable experiences in high school. Four years ago, I entered my school's studio as a shy freshman, quickly developing the unfortunate reputation as someone with an uncanny ability to disturb order in the lab.

It was not completely unfounded. Over the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I mixed chemicals which never intended to come in contact with one another, ruined 16 rolls of film in various manners, and sliced my hand open with a sharp, rusty knife, an injury which ultimately necessitated a tetanus shot. And yet, despite my failings, I loved every minute of it, my passion growing exponentially with every night and weekend spent honing my craft.

Two years later, I have exhibited, and sold, my work at local galleries and I have attended three seasons of New York Fashion Week. In September, I had the incredible opportunity to work with models backstage, giving me a new appreciation for the tremendous amount of work that goes into the final products we see on the runway.

Through photography, I have learned to look at everyday objects and places with a sense of childlike wonderment, to see, and engage with my world in entirely new ways, to find the intrigue in everyday scenarios, and to relentlessly pursue what I love.

While it is safe to assume that my skillset is more suited to the world of digital photography at this point, there will always be a special place in my heart for the 14-year old girl who shot 36 photos on a camera without any film inside.