Traveling to Italy has been on my list of places to go for years. When I returned from my trip to France almost two years ago, I decided that I was going to spend more of my life traveling abroad.

I did not know exactly where I wanted to go to next; there were places on my mind that I dreamed of going to; Thailand, Iceland, Australia, more countries in Europe... but when the opportunity arose for me to go to Italy to finish off my English degree, I decided to take a leap of faith forward.

Prior to attending Seattle Pacific University, I had agreed with my parents to set aside a certain percentage of my work funds for paying off tuition. After discussing with my family on how the trip could be funded, we agreed that my additional percentage in savings as well as any money I made from my writing could go toward paying it off.

In the middle of last year, I fell deeper in my love for photography and purchased my own starter DSLR camera. Approximately ten months later, this January, I started to take on clients to fund the trip.

At first, I thought I could never do it. The trip was roughly five months away and I would have to raise a few thousand dollars on top of what I'd already earned to fund the trip myself. Despite my doubts and worries, I kept pushing forward.

One by one, the amount of clients built, for writing and photography. My first photography client was shortly after winter quarter started. I was nervous as ever and did not know how to pose my subject, nor did I feel secure in how the photos would turn out or how the client would feel about them.

I pushed through this session as well as a couple of others. I learned new things in each session and started bringing my camera everywhere I went to practice basics and to build up a look book.

a favorite from Lisa and Jose's engagement shoot in Bellevue

As time passed by, my style developed and I grew more confident in my work. I am still learning a lot, but feel much more in control with how my final products will turn out.

Kenesha in the Emerald City

I began to turn my photos into something much more than snapshots. I wanted to make art that my clients could look at and feel like they took some part in creating themselves and could be something that they feel proud of.

Grace: the queen of peace

Kelly and Kate agreed to participate in a session in the middle of a thunderstorm. Their smiles were lightning.

Aside from photography, I began to write more. I have been hired for various ghostwriting duties such as professional article and case study writing as well as copy-editing and editing of my clients' work.

I've continued to promote my poetry book, promising that even purchasing a copy would help me. The revenue I would get from each copy of the book could provide a small meal while I am there.

Three months after deciding to start funding for the trip, I purchased my plane ticket. And at this point, just a couple of weeks away from my departure, I have not only raised enough money for a plane ticket, but have enough money to be able to spend on food while I am there.

I am continuing to budget as I push on in my efforts to fund the rest of my trip, but I am much further along than I had thought I would be. Had I not taken this leap of faith, I would not have been able to have this experience.