Hispanic Heritage runs deep through the high country of North Carolina.

Intentionality is the core of my documentary work. The sole purpose of this project was to make new connections to the Latino community in Boone, to learn from them, and to create lifelong friendships. The way I went about it was simply to start reaching out to those I already knew, hosting interviews, and making further connections. I sat, I listened, I asked questions, and I took time to get to know my beautiful neighbors before just taking the photo and leaving. Each shot has deep meaning for me, each has a unique story and experience attached to it. I love my work because I love the people in the photos. 

I specifically went into this project with a learners mindset. My goal through documentation is to learn for myself what it is like to live in someone else's shoes who lives a considerably different lifestyle than me. Then after exploring this new culture for myself, I use the photos to bring the rest of the world into the beauty of human connection.