LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --- –
I've always been someone who enjoys teaching others. In college, I was a resident advisor and coached a middle school field hockey team. While enlisted in the U.S. Air Force attending photojournalism technical school, I was a flight chief.
For me, I find pleasure in helping someone succeed in reaching their goals or guiding them toward the path to victory.
As a photojournalist Airman, I recently had the opportunity to have U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC cadets shadow me for a day. There was no better way to introduce them to my career field than having them follow me on a photographic assignment.
The four high school students, dressed in their crisp Air Force blue service uniform, became my shadow as I navigated through the day, capturing moments of their fellow cadets being introduced to the mission at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
To give them a real life experience of what I do, I offered the cadets one of my cameras and told them to 'go make magic', which is what my technical school instructors would say to me in class.
Throughout our day, I watched them take turns seeing the world through my camera lens. As I snapped photos of the other cadets, I could sense them watching my every move.
As our day together came to a close, I realized the impact I had on these young cadets. How my short time with them shaped their image of the Air Force and, quite possibly, helped determine what path they would choose for their future.
I discovered, through this experience, the importance of Airmen taking time to volunteer. Just a glimpse into our lives helps create that connection with members of the community and strengthens their feelings toward our mission we strive to accomplish every day.
Taking the time to see through fresh eyes allowed me to visualize my importance in our immense, blue world. Perhaps, you could benefit the same way. Provide the time and reap the benefits, Airmen.