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Nazarii

Gig Harbor High School, Gig Harbor, Washington

"Am I making a mistake with my choice?" This thought crossed my mind when I chose the specialty of a programmer.

When I graduated from school in Ukraine, I was lost and did not know what direction to go. Because of this, I chose programming, because I had basic knowledge from the academy. I also continued my studies at the academy, which I was supposed to finish in my first year of college. Therefore, studying calmly I was not concerned with my choices. But one Saturday afternoon, my opinion changed forever, regarding my specialty and future.

That day, I went to visit the academy, because I had classes there. I was always the very first, so I had time to sit and think about life. When all the students had arrived at the right time, the teacher started the class. She gave us the assignment and we started the class. We were asked to take a surreal photo. All the students went to take pictures outside, except for me and my partner; we stayed in the office with the teacher.

We didn’t know how or what we could photograph, so we asked the teacher for help. After the conversation, my partner said: “Let’s take a photo where I’ll be wearing a shoe?” I liked this idea and the teacher also gave the okay to it. When we were setting up the shot and when I was taking the photo, something clicked in my head. I could envision it. I felt that this was my calling, and what I wanted to do. What I would do with pleasure and love, and not because I had to go to work to earn money and survive.

After that day, my vision of programming changed. I realized more and more that this was not what I wanted to do. Every day I realized that this was not the profession in which I would work my whole life. But at the same time, I fell more and more in love with graphic design. With each visit to the academy, I wanted to grow and develop in the field of design. But even outside of it, I had a desire to do some photo editing. For holidays, I made meme greetings for my friends from church. I designed covers for music for a writer friend. I fell head over heels in love with the field of design. I can’t imagine life without it. I won’t be myself without it, and I’m grateful to God that He helped me find my calling.

When I found out that we were going to the USA, I didn’t think much about the fact that this could be my chance to fulfill my dream. This thought came to me only when I started attending classes at the senior academy, where I delved into the field of graphic design. I understood that I could graduate from the academy and high school, and go to study graphic design at a university. I am grateful to Him for everything He has done for me, even for such a big change in my life, moving to the USA.

Therefore, I am nearing the finish line of all the educational institutions in which I am currently studying - my college where I am a programmer, the academy where I am a graphic designer, and the high school where I am a graduate. This is my fourth year of study in college, my second year in the academy and my twelfth grade in school. I am ready to graduate from all of them in one year, and be free as a bird. And when I ask myself "Am I making a mistake with my choice?" I say yes, but not in graphic design. This is my dream.

© Nazarii. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.