Friday, December 17, 2010

Atkinson, Ne Lifestyle and Art Photographer: A Special Moment For A Teacher {Kelsy}

Many people don't know that I have a soft side.  Especially when it comes to my students.  I struggle at times, hesitant to let my guard down in fear that they may misunderstand that as me lowering my expectations for them.  Often, as a result, I don't show the attachment I actually have to them.  They get under my skin sometimes, but more often then not, they find a way into my heart.  Every. single. one. of them does this in his or her own way.  Sappy, yes...I'm letting the cat out of the bag...I have a heart.  I struggle at times to find that delicate balance between pushing and challenging my students... and letting them see that I am a human being, complete with emotions and a life outside of school. After 6 years of teaching I feel that I am finally beginning to figure it out...kinda...maybe?

Ugh,  I digress.

This is Kelsy.  This young lady came to see me a little while back after an extended absence.  She needed a simple head shot for our school yearbook, but because I hadn't seen her for quite some time, we took a few minutes to catch up on what was going on in her life.  She had hit a rough patch, and was making some tough decisions, but in doing so, she had also made some realizations about what she wanted for herself, and after talking with her, my heart swelled in pride at hearing how much she had grown.  These are the moments I live for as a teacher.  These are the moments when I feel that sense of relief.  The moments where I look at a student and think to myself "they are going to be just fine".  

As a teacher, this was one of the most precious moments I could have.  Just a year ago, I didn't hold this philosophy.  I will admit that I was judgmental.  Not because I was not sensitive to what young mothers face, but because I was confused and frustrated about what my reaction was supposed to be.  After a great deal of reflection, I realized that I needed to find some compassion.  I realized that I needed to show support, encouragement, and love, so that I could be a source of support rather than of discouragement.  There are many who of course will disagree with me on this, and that is ok.  This is simply the place where I have landed on this subject.  Through experiences I have encountered over the last year, I find myself seeing things differently.  I am comfortable with where I stand, and while I know my perceptions have not always been what they are now, I hope that others will consider evolution of thought necessary to sustain growth in a human being, not hypocrisy.

I talked to Kelsy's mom, and we made some arrangements to meet for a mini session.  Kelsy needed some beautiful images to help her document her new journey, and I did my best to make some for her. I hope they may be a reminder of the beginning of this most important transition.  





Kelsy, you are embarking on a new journey in life.  I'm proud of you, and I wish you the best of luck with your future.  You are beautiful and you have SO much potential!  Oh, the places you can go! Please stay in touch!

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful images, beautiful story! Incredibly touching to hear this story from a teacher - I admire what you do for our children. It is sooooo much more than teaching academics.

    As for Kelsy, you are absolutely beautiful, and your teacher is right - OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO! This is your life and you can (and will) make it amazing for you and your child so long as you stay strong, carry on, and keep people like Katrina in your life! Surround yourself with what you want to be.

    Heather

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  2. Heather, thank you for leaving such a nice comment for Kelsy! That was so nice!

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  3. Kat what a lovely way to encourage and support your student! Kelsey you are a beautiful young lady and I wish you every success in your future. God bless you on your journey!

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  4. Gorgeous Kat! She is a beautiful girl. Thank you for sharing her with us!

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  5. Such a pretty girl, and lovely post!

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  6. Kelsey-- You are beautiful and I am offering up many prayers for you and your precious unborn baby.

    Katrina--You are inspiring! Truly you are using your talent to bless others :) Incredible photographs and such sweet words!

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  7. this brought tears to my eyes, simply beautiful, her and you for doing this!!

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  8. These are beautiful. Kelsey you are a beautiful young woman and I wish you nothing but the best as you go forward in life with your new baby on the way.

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  9. stopping by from Clickin Moms, beautiful shots and beautiful girl!! I wish her all the best!!

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  10. Gorgeous images!!! She, and her baby!!, will treasure these one day!

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  11. These pictures are amazing. Kelsy is a strong young woman. I am the product of a teen pregnancy and my mother did a great job. I pray she has the support she needs. Thank you Katrina for showing her this love.

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  12. Lovely pictures, and an even lovelier blog post. Thank you for sharing an insight into her world for us. God bless her as she embarks on this wonderful journey called motherhood.

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  13. another Clickin' Mom stopping by to say beautiful. Beautiful girl, beautiful photos, beautiful words, beautiful photographer. Job well done :) Kelsy and her baby will treasure these photos forever!

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  14. Lovely post and beautiful mommy-to-be!

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  15. Amazing pictures! And your post sharing her story really touched my heart :) God bless both of you :)

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  16. Katrina I was a teen mom and there was ONE teacher-JUST ONE-who reached me, who didn't judge me and treat me like dirt because I got pregnant at 17. He was also the teacher that made me realize what I needed to change and that I would be ok. He was right. He is also the only teacher I have ever gone back to visit. Now as a 30 something mom of 4 kids (with a 10 year gap in between #1 and #2). I wish I had photos like this, but it was hidden we ddn't talk about it. It was shameful. And I admit it's not the greatest thing that can happen, but it's also not the worst.

    Good luck to you Kelsy!! You can make it you just have to believe it!! and if you ever doubt it, it looks like you have a supporter!!!

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  17. Very inspirational! I love the last photo the most. Great work and great blog post.

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  18. beautiful mama.

    i wish her the absolute best. i had my first who was unplanned when I was 20 years old. She will be 10 this weekend. She is definitely one of the greatest blessings God has ever bestowed upon me!

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  19. Mrs.Gotschall, reading all of this brought tears to my eyes! I want you to know that you being willing to do this for me even after I rejected you trying to help me, it truely means a lot to me, more than words can explain. I'm really glad that you pushed me no matter how hard I pushed back. I will be the frist one to say that I really didn't make it easy for my teachers in the last few years, but you are one of the few teachers that never gave up on me no matter how hard I made it. I can't thank you enough. I never understood why people say that pictures speak a thousand words, because of you I understand. I also want to thank everyone for the prayers and kind words. Kelsy

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  20. These are beautiful. There's a special place in my heart for young moms. I'm the daughter of one and know that my mom considers me to be not only a blessing but also the person who turned her life around for the good. Good luck to you Kelsy. It's not an easy road but it will be okay. You're beautiful and when your child sees this pics he or she is going to know that they were always loved.

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  21. I am another Clickin Mom.
    Kelsey, you are amazing. I love your courage and I am sure you will keep being strong going forward. I had my daughter at 20 (she is now 19 - time passes fast), I was devastated at that time but now my daughter says "Mom, I am so proud of you. You are the youngest mum among my friends and schoolmates." My daughter even connects with me on Facebook. We are like friends, playing sports together, having lots of fun. You will never regret it. Good luck to you and your child!

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Katrina Lee Photography is a professional custom photography business specializing in natural light and location portraiture as well as fine art portraiture.