2023 started with my aunt’s wedding. I’ve been able to see my aunt grow and move through life’s trials and tribulations, so to witness such a monumental moment was beyond amazing. I ran a Polaroid station where I would take photos of guests – an experience that inspired me to get my own Polaroid camera.

Walking is my all-time favorite activity. It’s a calming experience that offers a lot of time to just think. I take a lot of my pictures during these walks, and for the longest time, I would go on multiple walks a day, capturing sunsets, flowers, graffiti, and anything else.

A lot happened in 2023 and I found myself wandering the streets of nearby neighborhoods to process some of my thoughts. Looking back through my photos I see loads of very similar pictures. The moon is a frequently recurring subject in my camera roll; I couldn’t tell you just how many pictures of it I have. Lots of my time was spent outside that year.

I was fortunate enough to visit Italy at the end of 2023. My dad took my brother and me to visit family and friends for a big birthday celebration. It was extra special for me because I got to see Vicenza, the city I was born in. It’s quite the experience to see other places in the world and meet people who have wildly different stories than you.

Venice is a tourist staple when visiting Italy and I’m so thankful I got to visit. With sharp corners and tight alleys, it’s quite easy to get lost in the city. Hidden in said alleys lay beautiful architecture and thriving foliage.

This specific shot I remember so vividly. The sounds of the water, smells of local food, and the chatter of people all come back to me when I see it. I love looking back at pictures and being able to feel what it was like in that moment.

Austria was another place we visited while in Europe. The place we stayed was beautiful and I plan on taking a lot of inspiration from the decorations for my future apartment. While away from home I did my best to stay up on schoolwork and keep in touch with my friends and family, though sometimes it was hard.

Getting back from Europe at the very end of 2023 was bittersweet. I missed the sights over there but I missed my friends even more so. I remember this specific moment my friends and I were in such awe at this sunset. This was one of the last pictures I went out of my way to take in the following months; I just kind of stopped.

In October 2024 I finally got my driver’s license. The previous months had been an absolute dumpster fire. So much had been going on: family, school, life. This was the first time I felt the pull to take a photo in a long, long time. How could I have forgotten about my walks and photos? When was the last time I even went down Bluegrass St. by the park I used to go to every day after school?

The day before New Year’s, I went on the first walk that I had gone out of my way to have since the beginning of 2024. I lay in the soccer field by a nearby park, listened to music, and just remained there for a while. I looked at the stars and did my best to remember the names of constellations I learned of as a kid. I missed doing that; I missed having my time to think about life, think about anything I wanted, and explore the area I live by.

Walking; A seemingly stupid and unnecessary act to take that is anything but stupid and meaningless. I encourage you to take time for yourself, do the stupid things you enjoy, and never forget to actually do those stupid things. I swear to keep this promise to myself. Even if I forget again, even if I’m consumed by my circumstances, I will find that path near Bluegrass St. and rediscover it all once again.