NYC SALT


   In college, it’s very easy to get wrapped up in schoolwork, jobs, internships, etc. Sometimes you forget to take a step back and remember where you came from and how you got there. There’s a special program that I hold close to my heart that I want to dedicate this post to. NYC SALT, “ a non-profit photography program serving inner city teenager. Through professionally led instruction, we seek to engage, inspire and empower kids to have a voice in their world and become all that they are created to be.” To the public this might seem like a well-crafted mission statement used to appeal to the masses. Looking at this statement now, I know all too well how accurate these words are. SALT was so much more than just an after school program to me, it was a home away from home. As a kid I was always interested in photography, which is what first brought me to their front door. Little did I know I would learn so much more then just photography skills. They taught that sometimes things don’t come automatically; every skill requires you to keep working on it week by week; each time improving just a little more. They taught me to always be open to criticism, because every critic is a new opportunity to learn. At SALT, I learned to look deeper into things and find different meanings. I remember when our assignment was to shoot clutter; I took a picture of my grandmother’s room. At the time, I just saw a messy room; although now, after my grandmother has passed away, I see so much more in my own picture. I see so much of whom she was and what she believed in, (things I wouldn’t normally see in glammed up pictures of her). SALT was more than just a photography class. They took the time to help whenever we needed them. When it came to inquiring about scholarships, or just looking over college essays they were always there. So I just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to everyone at SALT, although I don’t show it enough, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You’ve helped shape who I am today.

I'm Young, I'm Sexy, and I'm Broke


 If you guys are really interested in traveling and want good advice on places to go/things to do, I would definitely recommend: Off Track Planet’s Traveling for the Young, Sexy and the Broke. It is hands down my favorite travel book! I first came across it at an Urban Outfitters, and it immediately left an impression on me. I didn’t buy it right then and there, but I made a mental note that I would to buy it soon. One day, I got really eager to find out what it was all about so I bought the e-book. I don’t know if I’ve ever inhaled a book that quickly, but it in a matter of a few hours I was done. I kept flipping back and forth through the pages; which got annoying after a while on my iPad. That’s when I decided I needed to buy the physical copy. Now that I have the physical book, I can flip through the pages whenever I want. What I love about this book is that it’s so relatable. When I travel I enjoy looking at historical monuments for a while, but I am much more interested in experiencing the life as a local. I like walking around the streets at random and getting my party on at midnight. A lot of other travel books I’ve come across always sound like they are geared towards older tourist who want to spend most of their time at historical attractions. This book feels like someone my age is talking to me about traveling and its giving me all the advice I was REALLY looking for. Also, if you get the book and immediately get hooked like I did Off Track Planet also keeps a magazine blog that posts a new issue every Tuesday. It’s my home screen when I open safari, hahaha. But seriously guys if you’re interested check it out. The book really opened my eyes to places I didn’t know I wanted to go to, Thailand for example, Check it out!