Hey there, fabulous friends! 🎉 I hope my latest blog managed to grab your attention and keep you entertained! Sharing bits and pieces of my life has been a bit like jumping out of a plane—nerve-wracking but oh-so-liberating! While my story might not hit the top of the charts as a sitcom, I really hope it gives you a peek into who I am and just how much I adore photography.
Let me share a story with you! Picture this: there I was, faced with a colossal decision that could either be my ticket to fulfilling my dreams or a one-way ride to 'Oops-ville.' Spoiler alert: it turned out to be one of the absolute best choices of my life!Â
Back in the day, I was rocking the photo lab gig at our local Wal-Mart, and my boss was none other than the incredible Dave Davis. Let me tell you, this guy is a photography wizard! I’m not exaggerating—he’s got the scoop on every little detail of the art. As I’ve shared in my previous blog, I was just starting to dip my toes into photography, but working in the lab and snapping away like crazy was turning my casual interest into an all-consuming passion. The only thing standing in my way? Yep, you guessed it—me! You wouldn’t believe it, but that’s when the legend himself, Dave Davis (I mean, can we just take a moment to appreciate that name? It’s like a superhero of names!), swooped in like a fabulous cape-wearing mentor. I was busy being my own worst enemy, second-guessing my potential, a classic case of self-doubt. But Dave, with all the confidence in the world, looked me straight in the eye and said, “You’ll never know until you try!” He totally got it. He knew I was on the brink of unlocking a treasure trove of photography secrets that would teach me skills to be on the way to be the best photographer I could ever be. And honestly, how could I not feel motivated after that pep talk?Â
"So, there I was, a single mom with a three-year-old in tow, all signed up at Highland Community College to dive headfirst into the world of photography! Let me tell you, I was absolutely terrified—like jump-out-of-my-skin scared—but I was also fueled by a fierce determination to make my little guy proud. Who said being a single mom couldn't come with a splash of creativity and a dash of adventure?"
Thinking about the cost of school is something we all do. Let’s be honest—it's not exactly pocket change! My buddy Dave Davis had a bright idea and suggested I look into a photography scholarship. Can you believe I didn't even know that was an option after high school? Here I was at 21, jumping back into the educational world! The thought of landing that scholarship was exciting because it would really lighten the financial load. Dave walked me through the whole process of putting together a portfolio of my photos to show the photography professor. And just like that, the nerves started creeping in again. Seriously, why do I doubt myself so much? But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?
 I can still picture that day perfectly—walking into the library at Highland Community College, clutching my portfolio album like it was glued to me! I stood in line for what felt like forever, just waiting for my turn to get my picture taken. And then, across the room, I spotted a table with the words "Glenn Gross, Photography" written on it. My heart leaped, and I think I might have stopped breathing for a moment! Honestly, there was a split second when I thought about bolting out of that library as fast as my short legs could carry me. But somehow, I found the courage to saunter over.
I introduced myself, bubbling with excitement about taking his course. We chatted a bit, and then came the big moment! I asked if I could possibly apply for a photography scholarship. With my heart racing, I pried my portfolio from my hands and handed it over to him, trying my best to appear confident, even with my shaky arms and a nervous smile. He took a look through my work, calm and relaxed, and I felt a bit like the Wicked Witch of the West at that moment—melting away under the pressure! Finally, he looked up, smiled, and said, “Yeah, I think I can do that.” Talk about a moment to remember!
 In that moment, I took the biggest sigh of relief—like I was finally breaking free from a cloud! I couldn’t help but beam as I shook his hand, showering him with thanks like confetti. Walking out of that building with one of the biggest grins ever, I felt a wave of pride wash over me. My mind was buzzing with all sorts of thoughts, not just about my own future, but what this meant for my son and the amazing journey ahead for both of us. This was just the thrilling kick-off of my dream taking flight, and I’ve got to give a massive shoutout to my dear friend, Dave Davis! Seriously, without his little nudge, I might still be sitting on my couch, dreaming instead of doing. Our chats about photography adventures and the latest gear are simply the best! Whenever I have a question, he’s always ready to share his treasure trove of knowledge, making everything feel like a fun adventure. Here’s to many more chats and endless laughter!
Thank you, my dear friend Dave Davis, for your boundless wisdom in this beautiful craft. Your unwavering faith in me, especially during times when I struggled to believe in myself, means the world to me. I will always hold deep gratitude in my heart for you.
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