Summer Heat

My peers left school as it let out in May. They left their homes with cheap rent and hallways where their work was displayed, but they took their memories of long nights in the newsroom with them. After 32 weeks we produced our last paper as an editorial board. I too decided to leave and return to a place that I had lived for so many years of my childhood. With my family gone at school or work, I had most afternoons to myself. Many of these days I spent out in the sun working in the yard for a family friend to make some extra money. During this time I was also able to rekindle a friendship with my birthday sister. As cousins, born exactly a year apart, we were thick as thieves during our early childhood. My favorite of all days were the ones sitting on the porch at my grandparent’s house where I could see the smile in their eyes as we spent the afternoons talking. The evenings were spent with my brothers, mum and dad eating homemade pizza and spending family time together on Fridays just as we used to. How quickly this sweet period of time past. Soon enough it was time for me to say my goodbyes to the people I loved and hello to a new experience.

In June I made the long drive to San Antonio, TX, to learn about a new city and new people. Having the opportunity to intern at the San Antonio Express-News was an experience of a lifetime. I’m thankful for my wonderful editors Luis Rios and Michel Fortier for their ability to see my vision and worth from the beginning and for their guidance as a young photographer with much to learn and no prior internship experience. I learned a lot at the paper as a photographer, however the most growth I experienced was as an individual because of the personal challenges I faced. Growth can’t bear its fruit in easy circumstances, but it is perhaps one of the most rewarding fruits to grow. I believe now more than every that everything happens for a reason despite how impeding the mountain ahead may appear. From my summer in the heat I am reminded to continue to challenge myself throughout every season of life.

Below are some of the most memorable images I made during my time at the Express-News.

People dance as artists perform at 2019 Pride "Bigger Than" Texas Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Crockett Park in San Antonio. The celebration included Pride Championship Wrestling, "We All Love the Same" mass wedding, and performers.

Father David Garcia, and the congregation pray together during his last day as a priest for Mission Concepcion Sunday, June 30, 2019 in San Antonio. Garcia has spent eight years as a parishioner at Mission Concepcion.

Kevin Perkins, 24, wears rainbow angel rings and a halo at 2019 Pride "Bigger Than" Texas Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Crockett Park in San Antonio. "It [the festival] is so raw and natural. There's a community as soon as you get your wristband" shared Perkins.

Elda Alem, 5, and Yodahie Alem, 3, run around the World Refugee Day art exhibit and sale at Blue Star Art Complex, in San Antonio, TX, Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Catholic Charities sponsored the event.

Chris Young sets his flippers down on the concrete outside the Comal River, Thursday, July 11, 2019 in New Braunfels, TX. Young dives for lost treasures of tubers floating down the Comal River. People who've lost their possessions hear of Young by word of mouth or on his Facebook page.

Benjamin Gomez, 4, and Camilla Moncada, 2, play in the water with an Elsa umbrella, Tuesday, August 13, 2019, in San Antonio. The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory through 7PM. Similar high temperatures are expected throughout the week.

Michel Fortier’s Favorite ^^^^

Samya Marcuez, 8, from Fort Worth sprawls out across a tube at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, TX, Thursday June 13, 2019. The park features several river rides for patrons to float down.