Growing up in Elko County is a rare experience. It's funny to go to other places and realize how much growing up in Elko has affected my opinions and attitudes. Being involved with Voices of Youth has helped me realize how unique Elko County is and has opened many doors for me. How many seventeen-year-olds can say that they've had their artwork on display in several galleries or have spoken at the Nevada State Arts Conference?

Photography has become one of my favorite things to do. There's this moment when you're standing in the darkroom, you place a piece of paper into the developer and -- almost like magic -- an image appears. At that moment I think to myself, "This is mine. I did this. I've captured a piece of time that maybe nobody else would have noticed." I've never experienced a feeling like that. In a way, audio recording is the same.

It struck me this year as I interviewed the Wines family how special people are. They didn't know me at all, but let me into their home and shared their stories, thoughts, and emotions with me. What an amazing thing to be a part of! Every person has a story that needs to be told.

Audio
Photography