My Ten Best Photos

Below are my ten best photos...

This collection of ten photos represents more than a highlight reel—it’s a reflection of the ways nature has shaped my experiences, mindset, and sense of self over the past semester. Each photo captures a moment of stillness, movement, or discovery, and together, they help tell a larger story: how spending time in the natural world can offer clarity, direction, and connection.

Two of these photos were taken in Orange County, California, where I’ll be starting law school at UCI in just a few months. These aren’t just scenic shots—they symbolize a turning point. When I visited, I found myself looking at the ocean and the open space around me and feeling a strange mix of calm and momentum. It’s not easy to make big decisions about your future, but being in a space where the horizon felt wide open helped me process that this next chapter is something I’m truly ready for. Self-discovery doesn’t always happen in isolation—it often happens in motion, while exploring somewhere new.

Another photo was taken on the Trinity River in Fort Worth. This spot became part of my routine this semester. I started walking the trail in the early mornings, and it quickly became more than just exercise. It grounded me. Having that time outside before the busyness of the day helped me feel more centered, and I realized how important it is to have even a small connection with the outdoors in everyday life. It’s a reminder that nature isn’t just a weekend getaway—it’s accessible and beneficial in regular moments too.

One photo shows me golfing late in the winter. Golf is something I’ve only recently started taking more seriously, but it’s had a surprising impact. It’s slow, strategic, and outside—it requires patience and presence. It’s also a social activity, which lets me spend time with others in a low-pressure, quiet environment. Golf has become a way for me to unwind without completely disconnecting from others, which is something I’ve come to value more.

Two other photos—close-ups of flowers—reflect something that’s changed in me because of a course I took this semester. I used to walk past plants without giving them a second thought, but now I stop and try to identify them. I’ve learned to appreciate the details—the color, the structure, even the seasonality of what’s blooming. Paying attention to vegetation has made me more observant in general, and more aware of how much life is happening around me, even when I’m not paying attention.

Then there are the photos of me and my friend—one in Cabo, the other while I was skiing in Beaver Creek, Colorado. These trips were just a few days long, but they stood out because they reminded me how important it is to make memories outside. Whether we were skiing or walking along the beach, those moments felt fuller and more meaningful because they weren’t framed by screens or distractions. They were real experiences, rooted in place and shared with people who matter to me.

The ninth photo is of my girlfriend and me walking my dog by the farm near where I live in St. Louis. It’s one of my favorite trails—quiet, simple, peaceful. We go there often, and every time, it reminds me of the importance of slowing down. Being in that space—with the dog, with someone I care about, surrounded by open land—feels like a reset. It’s where I go when I want to feel at ease.

The final photo was taken at Beaver Creek, Colorado—a place that holds deep personal significance for me and my family. It’s where my dad proposed to my mom, and because of that, it’s never been just another ski resort to us. Every time we return, we’re revisiting a moment that shaped the course of our family’s story. Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of that. But over time, I’ve come to realize how rare and meaningful it is to share a physical space that carries so much emotional history.

Each of these photos speaks to a different part of who I am and where I’m going. What ties them together is the role the natural world plays in shaping my mindset. Whether it's finding clarity about my future, enjoying a sport, making memories with friends, or simply taking a morning walk, nature consistently brings out the best in me. It reminds me to pay attention, to move, to reflect, and to stay grounded. And most importantly, it reminds me that growth—real growth—doesn’t always happen when we’re looking for it. Sometimes, it just happens when we step outside.