This is my final photo series before I graduate college. It's here at the University of Chicago that I learned more about myself than any class could have ever taught me. It's a harsh environment that's unforgiving for those who waste time. This leads to a choice. How are you going to spend that time? Will you devote your body, mind, and soul to obtaining a 2-digit figure for academic prestige? Will you try and obtain wealth through a profession? Might you devote yourself to helping others? Or will you learn to appreciate that you'll always be a student and that your path is different from all others...
I'd like to dedicate this series to a person who won't be graduating this year. Or ever in fact...
My old friend,
Leonardo Fernandes.
It's been 2 years, 8 months since his passing. He was a poet himself. This album should serve as tribute to the promise I made after his passing that I would try to live each day with enough joy for the both of us.
I know I don't always succeed, but I'll be here trying my best, Leo.
I've listened to quite a bit of music in my time here and the title of the track that I've embedded with the series is very appropriate. I've treasured every memory here in Chicago and even though I'm scared, anxious, nervous and battered from the journey, I've learned that we as humans are always able to find happiness and joy even in the hardest situations. It took some hard situations to get here, but I'm eternally grateful for each and every one of them. I hope the photos tell a better story than I could ever write. Please enjoy and comment.
