Through the Lens

Before you read this article, I highly recommend doing your own research using news sources that are unbiased and show ALL the facts of this case. This will not be an informational article, but rather simply what I saw and felt on this day and at this press conference. I challenge you to leave all biases and opinions at the “door” and read this with an open heart and open mind. Don’t shy away from being empathetic for a couple of moments.

August 18th @ 1:25 p.m.

Teacher: So, you’re going to take photos at the cross-country meet, k?

Me: *Awkwardly sitting in yearbook class* Sure.

August 19th

I woke up at 6, because I needed to be at the cross-country meet to take photos between 7:15 and 7:30, and I’m always late, and I hadn’t taken a shower yet, and then I would have to blow dry my hair, and then…well you get the point. I’m a little chaotic sometimes or turbulent as my 16Personalities quiz would say. 7:35. Of course, I’m late. One of my greatest flaws. I am running to the start line trying to get at least one good photo of them stretching, but then I realize my school was the only team there. The meet was cancelled, and our team wasn’t notified. Great. I figured I would just take some quick shots before everyone left. The photos were ok for my first time using a “fancy” camera. Little did I know this was just my time to practice for the real deal.

I got a heavy breakfast from Chick-fil-A and decided to bask in the sun and listen to music in the backyard. As I was listening to music, inspiration struck and I began dinking around with the camera, practicing different angles, and looking for interesting compositions to take photos of. The sun on my skin, the music in my ears, and the photos of my forest-like backyard gave me such a rush of euphoria I hadn’t noticed that two hours had passed. I believe God gave me these little moments and opportunities to practice with the camera. I was then spontaneously invited to go to a press conference held by A.J. Armstrong’s family and lawyer, concerning updates about his case.

This was my first time having a “fancy” camera and going to an event like this, so I had absolutely no idea what it was going to be like and if I was going to get good photos for the family. I’m grateful for the bubble I reside in because it gives me shelter from the scary world we live in. But every once in a while, it’s good to step out of that protective, almost paradisiacal bubble to see how or even if you can help contribute to change in your society. Being in that bubble, you don’t often hear about the bad things or if you do, selfish human nature just writes it off as it’s ok, as long as it doesn’t affect me. Unjust things in society should not have a blind eye turned to them. A bible verse that pops up into my head is Isaiah 1:17 (NLT). It says, “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” This case is heartbreaking, it truly is. And even if you aren't religious I would still have to argue that it's just the right thing to do. This experience taught me the importance of standing behind a cause in order to better society and to just be a halfway decent human being.

I get to the location and right off the bat see many different people from different walks of life ready to stand by AJ’s family. It was truly inspiring seeing so many people there to support the family in their pursuit for justice. Everyone there was connected to the family in one way or another, but all showed the same amount of concern, love, and support for the grieving family. It was a beautiful moment in the midst of heartbreak that I will remember for a long time.

Not that this carries the same importance by any means but because this is a lifestyle blog, I thought it would be fitting to discuss the shirts being passed out. Not only did people show up to support but they wore all black shirts with white writing that spelled out “FREE AJ.” Once again, not that it matters, but the shirts actually looked good. One of the women there took creative liberties and decided to make it an off-the-shoulder moment. It’s unifying, not only believing in, and fighting for the same cause but wearing a shirt that spells it out for everyone.

I was touched by the amount of power that comes from having a support system. It made me reflect on how important it is to find people who will be there for you at any moment. Although the circumstances of the situation were not very happy, I am so grateful to have been there to experience those important moments with AJ’s family, friends, and supporters. And that I was allowed to come out and take photos. Such a gift.