Studying Abroad: The Big Picture by Bradley

Studying Abroad: The Big Picture by Bradley - November 2017 Scholarship Essay

Saint Augustine once said “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”. Growing up, I’ve always had the dream to travel and see the world. Of course, this in itself is not unusual but I’ve developed almost an irrational fear of staying in the same place.
I have a passion for capturing small moments. Collecting these through photography has given me a perspective on life that I wouldn't trade for all the world. I recently traveled to Costa Rica where I not only experienced a beautiful culture, but also captured some of my favorite moments through a lens that will endure forever, but that wasn't what impacted me the most. The most fulfilling thing about traveling is people.
The reason why I take pictures, why I desire to receive an education: others. Art is my passion and my future not because of the beauty of the finished product, but because of the emotions that the product evokes in the people that observe my work. I have met so many people through what I love to do; the interactions I've had and the relationships I've built are what make what I do worth it. I desire to study abroad in college in order to become even more excellent in my craft because it will all be for not if I don't expand my sphere of influence. There are so many places I haven't explored, so many paths I haven't walked, so many people I have yet to meet and share a small part of life with. I wish to look into the eyes of those who share diverse backgrounds, ideologies, passions, and personalities. Studying abroad and other out of classroom experiences last well beyond traditional, institutional education. Through my photography, I desire to capture the raw emotion of love and loss and triumph from those of the far corners of the world. I want to live and live well, but I cannot, WILL not, be satisfied until I am able to say that I have collected enough small moments to tell the story of the world.