Dear Future Me: The Road to Everything I’ve Ever Dreamed Of

March 18, 2025

As I sit on this couch during my university’s spring break working and writing this, I begin to wonder about my future. Somewhere out there, there’s a version of me that has made it. A version that’s built Shawnie’s Cinema into something bigger than just a business — something legendary. A version that’s graced the pages of Forbes 30 Under 30, spent sunrise after sunrise in the wild Sahara desert of Africa, capturing shots for National Geographic, and traveled across the country shooting weddings that tell the most beautiful love stories. That future version of me exists — I just have to get there. Right now, I’m in the in-between. The stage where the dream is bigger than the reality, but the fire in my chest refuses to die down. I see the vision so clearly: a full-time photography business, weddings booked in every corner of the country, an email from National Geographic offering me an assignment, and a platform big enough to make a real impact.

Forbes 30 Under 30 — The Ultimate Goal

I think about this one a lot. Forbes 30 Under 30 isn’t just a list — it’s proof that I built something that mattered. That I took my passion and turned it into a powerhouse. It’s not just about recognition, though. It’s about knowing that the work I put in, the sleepless nights, the risks, the sacrifices — they were all worth it. When I see my name on that list, I’ll know I didn’t just dream. I executed.

A Life of Full-Time Photography

There’s something about waking up every day knowing that my job is to create. That I get to tell love stories through my lens, capture raw emotions, and freeze moments in time for people to relive over and over again. Weddings have always fascinated me — not just for the beauty of the day, but for the energy, the emotions, the little moments no one else sees. I don’t want to just shoot local weddings. I want to be flying coast to coast, shooting in mountains, on beaches, in hidden little venues that most people have never heard of. I want my name to be the first that comes to mind when couples think of storytelling through photography. And I want Shawnie’s Cinema to be more than just a brand — it should be an experience.

National Geographic — The Wild Side of My Dream

Wildlife photography is where my heart truly belongs. There’s something about standing in the middle of nowhere, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect shot. The patience, the unpredictability, the rawness of nature — it fuels me. I dream of being on assignment for National Geographic, traveling across the world, photographing animals in their purest forms. The untouched beauty of nature, the kind of shots that make people stop and appreciate the world around them. I want my photos to do more than just sit in a portfolio — I want them to educate, inspire, and protect.

Making an Impact: Alzheimer’s and Community Work

Beyond photography, I know my purpose is bigger. I’ve seen firsthand how devastating Alzheimer’s can be, how it takes away memories — the very thing I fight to preserve through my work. That’s why I need Shawnie’s Cinema to be about more than just business. I want to raise thousands, if not millions, to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s. To create awareness, fund research, and give families the support they need. My photography should not only capture memories — it should fight to keep them alive.

The Future is Closer Than I Think

Right now, I’m still building. Still learning, Still failing, Still Succeeding, Still grinding. But I know that if I keep pushing, keep showing up, keep believing — every one of these dreams will become reality. So, future me — wherever you are, I hope you made it. I hope you’re living this dream, telling these stories, and leaving a mark on the world.

I’ll see you soon.

— Shawnie Peterson (Owner of Shawnie’s Cinema)