Humans of LBCC

  

            Yin and Yang. Positive and negative. Give and take. These are the extremes I have been able to feel during this historical time in our lives. Whilst many of world are in the most devastating times in their lives, I have been enormously lucky (although, I think it's more than luck) enough to catch the opposite side of the coin. People right now are dying, hurting, losing loved ones and finances, and I can feel the world crumbling all around me. I hope I'm not the only one to say this, but ironically I have never been more freely happy in my life. 

      Previously, I was making a career out of restaurant management, and doing a great job at that. I was able to travel, meet cool new people, and have a paycheck that allowed me to live without much fear. That's the dream, right? Or... at least that's what they say. For me, this just didn't cut it. My hunger for more is boundless and my lack of fear is endless. I knew I couldn't keep up the "smile and nod" shamble for too long, but was scared to leave a comfortable situation. Then Covid-19 hit, and I was laid off. To my dismay, this was one of the best blessings in disguise. I now had to make a change, and no way was I going back to the service industry. The plan was to go back to school for a while now, but now it's actually happening, for which I am overjoyed. 

            I had 6 months off.... 6 months of paid time off. This was more time off and money then I had ever had in my adult life, and I got to spend it all with my dog (okay, the boyfriend too). Everything started to change for the better - my dogs behavior, my mental state of mind and physical state. I was able to have time to indulge in the things that I love, and better yet, discover new hobbies that I never knew I'd fall in love with. My relationships blossomed with my honey, friends and family. All of this following my road of addiction recovery and the death of a son (both of which are unrelated), I am now living my best life. 

    I am so brokenhearted for those in pain in the world and I want every opportunity possible presented so I can be there to love my neighbor, but I am so grateful for the way things have turned out for me. 

    With every inch of my being I hope that there are glimpses of light for all of you during this trying time in our world. After just watching the Star Wars trilogy for the first time recently, I'll bid you adieu with this.. 

May the force be with you. 

Dakota. 

 

It's Just Part of Me

 

                   As I'm laying on the floor in my living room trying to dissect the best parts of me to share with all of you, I can confidently say that the best part is my dog, Nahla, who is currently making my legs her nest. I (or should I say we) am an Oregonian who really enjoys anything outdoors (hiking, rafting, swimming, etc...), interior design, many different types of rock music, and quality time with family. I recently have been learning to fire spin and dance, and this has been a thrilling hobby to enthrall. I love learning about theology, philosophy, anthropology, astronomy, and astrology - they're all so fascinating.

                   Currently, I'm working on my Associates of Journalism/Mass Communications and plan to take that to U of O to get my bachelors in Journalism. I believe that there are many truths out there, and so many people fail to comprehend the information that is presented to them due to its form of communication. If we can reach people, then that's the first step in change, and photography cannot lie. Thus, one reason why I'm taking this class - to learn about photojournalism and how to navigate my way in the journalism world and to better my photography skills, which has been a long time hobby of mine. I love the idea of a moment that will never again be the same, a moment that can never be re-experienced the same way, captured in the palm of my camera. I have experience working in a dark room with film cameras (old, but my favorite!) and have done a lot of self-taught digital photography work. I previously began using Instagram a start to my portfolio, so I'm stoked I get to use it for this class!

            It would be awesome to get a picture, if not multiple, published, regardless of getting an A. I'm a little behind on the technology wagon, and am excited to versify my skills in both social media platforms/blogs and photo editing programs. Overall, my biggest goal is to stay on top of everything and to have this be an exciting class, and a place where I can develop my skills, creativity and knowledge in a non-stressful manor. 

Cheers! 

Dakota.