Saving the world.

"So you think you can save the world, ma'am?"

Lee, a homeless hitchhiker asked me this when we were talking about my Social Work major at the coffee shop on Wednesday. The conversation itself was enough to make me consider my sanity in even talking to him, as throughout the discussion he brought up having a really violent past, made incredibly racist comments, and at one point I thought he was going to pull a gun out of his jacket (seriously). But I tried to look past the obvious lack of personal hygiene and smell of whiskey coming out of his pores. I think in a lot of cases, these people more than anything, just want to be listened to. So I sat and listened.

When I said I was studying Social Work, he called me an idealist.

I don't believe I can save the world. But I think I can be a change. I think I can do this by being a positive person, and encouraging others to do the same. I don't think I would label myself as an idealist, but I believe in humanity.

The conversation ended and we parted ways, only to have him bring back an elk foot into the coffee shop (he said he was planning on eating it) and then he was asked to leave. It was an interesting day but it made me consider how I plan on changing the world.

I want to:

connect with people, connect with you, show you a photograph and have you fall in love with it, have it tug on your heart strings, have it remind you of something or someone you once loved and be happy.

I want to:

travel and bring back tangible memories that allow those who couldn't be a part of it, be a part of it.

I want to:

shed light on issues that are concerning the world in a positive and hopeful way to spark change.

I want to:

love people regardless of their age, skin color, sexual orientation, beliefs, or disabilities. I want to love people unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

I want to:

be your friend.

I want to:

continue to have a positive attitude.

I want to:

leave something behind in the world that will leave people happy and inspired.

I hope I can accomplish all of these. I miss summer, I miss warm weather. I miss being able to collect my hair at the back of my neck and walk through the grass with bare feet. I miss what it felt like to be too warm and to wish for air conditioning. I miss seeing flowers alive and trees with leaves. Here are some photos that have never been shared.