Joining a Community

      Joining a community is a risky business.  Putting oneself out into a new “world” that they may, or may not fit into or be welcome into, wow it can be ruff. But honestly, it’s so totally worth it because, although you don’t always get the outcome you want, every time you try to join a new community, you learn something new. That in itself is worth the try.

     I remember the first time I tried to join a community on my own, so not the churches I went to as a family, or the sport teams I tried out for with a group of friends, but the one I did without anyone I knew doing it with me. The community was my high schools yearbook class, and I tried to join during my sophomore year. At the time I had just moved to Texas, had no friends and just wanted any excuse for me and my camera to have more time with each other. I didn't know what I was getting myself into.

     In order to get into the class, there were a series of criteria I had to complete before I could even be considered for the team. I had to of taken a photography or journalism class the year before, I had photography under my belt. I had to write a three page essay on why I would be a good fit for the class, I had no idea so I just bs-ed something’s. And last, but not least, I had to send in some material of my work, in this case some of my photos.

     For the normal person, it takes about a week or so to hear back from the team. I got accepted within a day, I guess I’m pretty good a bs-ing something’s.  I was soaked to finally have an opportunity to put some new roots in a community in Texas, but I wasn't ready to meet a bunch of new people who, in my option, were even weirder than me.  The first week of the community was strange and I was unsure of my feelings towards it, but by the end of the second week I was addicted and looked forward to everyday in the class. The best part of joining this group of weirdo’s was that, in the end, its what made me realize my passion for journalism.