It seems to be the trend among photojournalists to broadcast their work all over the internet and social media platforms in order to brand themselves especially during this time of year. One of my biggest peeves is arrogance so I want to aim the spotlight on the many people who have encouraged me throughout one of the most pivotal years of my life.
To my dear friends and family– especially Barry Reeger and the Trib photo staff of four for their constant mentorship, my aunt Terri and uncle Dmitri for their hospitality, Megan Gates and Jack Dimond for their leadership at The Standard, John Wall, Kevin White and Jesse Scheve for their trust and belief in me at MSU Photo Services, Anne Raup for her guidance when I call her randomly for advice, my friends Karly Buer and Ashley Boshe for their emotional and spiritual support at school, my bearded fiance Keven for his selfless love and of course my parents who provided for me financially so that I could leave my field hockey scholarship to pursue my dream–thank you all for your character even if I tend to overlook it. There are countless faces who have blessed me with their presence in my life. You’re all a gift.
2012 was the best year of my life.
I accepted a diamond engagement ring given to me by my best friend, I freed myself from the emotional stress of competing in D1 field hockey to focus on photojournalism, I took on the role of photo editor at The Standard, I completed a rewarding internship at the Tribune-Review: the paper I have read my whole life, I have been offered a year-long position at the Kalamazoo Gazette (Mich.) and I have grown the most in my faith while strengthening my closest friendships.
All of this is a testament of how much God can provide if you fully rely on him.
Jeremiah 29: 11
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Here are my favorite photos:
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Revelers doused in neon paint, lose themselves in the music at Life in Color, deemed “the world’s largest paint party,” on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 at the Shrine Mosque. The show, aimed at teenagers and college students, tours nationwide.
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Ozark pitcher Abbie Clanton is silhouetted by the setting sun during the Class 4 championship game in the Missouri High School State Softball Tournament at Killian Stadium on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 in Springfield, Mo.
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Family and friends console each other at the scene of a possible drowning Friday evening at Yough River Park in Connellsville. Rescuers pulled the body of Scott Jeffries Jr., 17, of Mt. Pleasant around 8 p.m.
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The Navy’s elite Blue Angels fly wing-to-wing on Saturday, June 23, 2012 during a 40-minute display of their skills–at speeds of 500 mph–during the first day of the Westmoreland County Air Show at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.
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Nancy Amati of Germantown, Md. body slams Michelina Barron of Frederick, Md. during the mud wrestling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.
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The Missouri State volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point in the third match against Northern Illinois University on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at Hammons Student Center. MSU lost in five sets.
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Joe Ferraro, 18, of Ligonier, pauses for a moment by the lockers with girlfriend Phoebe Gilmore, 16, of Ligonier, before the Ligonier Valley High School graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.
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Rap artist Wiz Khalifa performs in front of a sold out crowd on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. The event was sponsored by Missouri State University’s Student Activities Council.
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Senior Reiann Stoute, a native from Bridgetown, Barbados, poses for a portrait on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 at Plaster Sports Complex. Stoute ranked fourth in the nation in defensive saves last season.
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Jim Bowser kisses his girlfriend Vikki Becker, both of Hempfield Township, after they prayed for her son Sage Capozzi, who was 20-years-old when he died of a drug overdose in March, during a candlelight vigil at Crabapple Park in Sewickley Township on Monday, July 16, 2012 to remember those lost from addiction or struggling with it.
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Mud is flung onto first-row fans during the demolition derby on Friday, June 8, 2012 hosted by the New Alexandria Lions Club in New Alexandria. All proceeds benefitted the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Latrobe.
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Missouri State freshman Christian Kirk dunks over ODU’s Dimitri Batten during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 at JQH Arena.
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Allen Sirnic of Hempfield Township listens to a sermon outside before the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.
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Missouri State’s Hillary Lawless scores on SLU goalkeeper Tori Westhead during the game on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 at Plaster Sports Complex.
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Jacksonville’s Javon Dawson, left, and Russell Powell stretch before the game against Missouri State on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 at JQH Arena.
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Quinn Heinnickel, 5, of Hempfield Township faceplants after being bucked from his sheep during the mutton bustin competition at the 25th annual Derry Township Agricultural Fair on Sunday, July 8, 2012.
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Grain Valley head coach Jim Oliver hugs Brooklynne Simbeck while she holds the second place trophy after losing the Class 3 championship game in the Missouri High School State Softball Tournament at Killian Stadium on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 in Springfield, Mo.
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Missouri State Ice Bears Jack Ryan, left and brother Blake Ryan pose for a portrait on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 in front of Karls Hall. The Ryans have combined to score seven shorthanded goals this season on the penalty kill and nine goals between them on the power play.
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SIUE’s Kristen Dailey loses her shorts after slide tackling the ball on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012 at Plaster Sports Complex. MSU tied SIUE 0-0.
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Looking forward to next year: starting my life after college with Keven and leaning on God more.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
