How did you get into photography, and what does it mean to you?
I never saw myself as a photographer, to be honest. It was my mom who first mentioned it, and I just thought, Okay, let’s try it. That was how it started, and that’s how I fell in love with it. Photography, for me, is more than just holding a camera or taking a picture. It is about freezing moments and keeping stories alive long after they happen.
Tell us about the moment that made you feel like “ahn, this is it”
The shot that made everything click for me was a motion picture of my friend. I live near the river, and that photo, the way it captured movement, showed me what photography could really do. It wasn’t just the usual “stand there and smile” thing. It was alive and it just changed the way I viewed photography.
How did you balance photography with university?
Photography has been a part of me before I entered university but when I got to school, I had to set it aside for a while because I needed to focus on my grades and I also didn't know my way around yet.
Everything changed in my second year, I was no longer a fresher and I knew how things worked. We had this class presentation 200 level first semester, and I took some pictures. I think people noticed. Gigs started coming. And just like that, it became part of my life all over again.
Has pursuing photography always been easy?
If I am being honest, it has not always been easy. There are days when it feels heavy, when I wonder why I’m pushing so hard. But then I remember my camera, how much it cost, and that it wasn’t even my money. I need to earn that back. That’s what keeps me going most times.
What motivated you to get into student politics?
Beyond photography and school work, I have always wanted more. I wanted stories. I want to look back and say, “Yes, I did this.” You know, the kind of memories that make you smile. That was why I dived into politics in my 200 level.
How did you end up running for the History and International Studies Department VP?
I wanted to run for the Legislative Council representing my level, but I was told the members were returning and I should focus more on creating awareness and making myself known to people and I did just that. But running for my Department Vice President came as a shock to me. But you don't pass by opportunities; you take them. And I did just that.
What was it like stepping into that leadership role?
It wasn’t simple. I was new to the system, learning how to work with the Legislative Council and Executive Council, figuring out how to lead. My parents weren’t sure at first, but when you want something enough, you chase it. And eventually, they stood behind me.
How did you manage your roles as both a photographer and VP?
Somehow, I balanced my role as the Vice president with photography, and it even helped me connect better with other students, especially freshers. Sometimes I would even shoot department events myself; other times, I’d find someone else to cover it. And when gigs clashed with meetings? My team stepped in. That’s the thing you can’t do any of this alone. My Legislative Council and Executive Council were there every time I needed them. I won’t forget that.
What was your proudest moment as VP?
My proudest moment was the Freshers’ Orientation. The event was from my office, which was a big deal for me. It is the kind of event that puts pressure on you to outdo what came before. But we pulled it off. We, because it was never just me.
What are the top three things being VP taught you?
Being the VP taught me a lot of things, but I would say the top three are patience, communication, and teamwork. You need these three to survive because you are there for the students. You need to connect with them, address them in public, and be patient with everything. It will test your patience, whine you small but na you no go panic.
If you had to summarize your leadership with a photo, what would it look like?
If my leadership was a photo, it would be a group shot. Not just one type of person, but all kinds, I mean different faces, different stories, all moving toward the same goal. Harmony in diversity. That’s what I wanted, and I can say I did just that.
