How Photography and My Grandmother’s Battle with Alzheimer’s Shaped My Perspective

Photography has always been a part of my life, but my grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s deepened my appreciation for it. Watching her slowly lose her memories, including the ones of me, was heartbreaking. But even as her mind faded, our moments together remained—preserved in photographs. That’s when I truly understood the power of a camera. It’s more than a tool; it’s a way to hold onto the moments that time tries to take from us. This realization became so meaningful to me that I wrote my college essay about it. That essay helped me get into my dream school, the University of Cincinnati, and even earned me an invitation to join the DAAP program. Though I chose to pursue a business degree instead, the experience reinforced my passion for capturing moments that last forever.

Here’s the essay that started it all:

Shawn Peterson

Mrs. Morton

AP 12 Lit & Comp

4 October 2023

Prompt: (1) Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

To Capture a Moment That Lasts Forever

1...2... (focus, be steady) … 3...  Shoot. A Moment engraved into your camera, frozen in place forever. Every single day, we are with a camera, whether it be a phone or a professional one. In my case it’s both. Every single day people tend to forget how much that little camera in their pocket is worth. When I say worth, I’m not talking about the price cause let’s be honest, nobody forgets how expensive they are these days. There’s more to it when you talk about its worth. A camera is more than money. A camera is more than just an app on your phone. A camera is more than what you think it is. A camera is the device you use, To Capture a Moment That Lasts Forever. 

Everyone will go through a couple of hard times during their life. It’s inevitable. For me it was during the period when my grandma suffered during her final couple years before she sadly passed away 6 days before my birthday, February 19, 2021. Her sickness, Alzheimer's. She forgot my name. She forgot I’m her grandson. She forgot most of the people she loved. She forgot how to speak properly. It was hard. Her brain ultimately gave up on her.  But being able to still look at moments from the past is truly a blessing. The times before she was sick. I must give my thanks to the creation of the camera. Cameras are the reason I’m able to look back at the moments I spent with my grandma before she suffered. All the moments we had are forever protected and will be remembered thanks to the use of a camera. All of the pictures in a camera represent a story. In this case we’re talking about my grandma’s life. She may not be here to tell me her stories, but I get to look at these moments and events in the form of photos and videos. It’s truly wonderful. That is the worth of a camera.

I’ve always been interested in photography; I just never knew it was photography till a year ago. I always take photos when I’m out, having fun with friends or just by myself. It gives me peace and euphoria. Click, and in that moment right then and there a memory is captured. That moment is now frozen, frozen in time forever, for many to see, for many years to come. I love creating memories for others that they’ll get to look back at forever. My favorite niche though is wildlife photography. The quiet peaceful nature environment helps bring me back down to earth. I feel connected with the animals, in their environment. No humans, no issues, no distractions. Me and the wild animal in front of me. Big or small, bird or bear. It’s life. It’s the life I love.                                                                                                       

I believe this is a genuine, beautiful, empathetic interest I have. Bringing this interest to college will open many new doors for me. I am so excited and cannot wait to be able to capture new moments on campus and the surrounding areas and be able to look back at it for many years to come. I am excited to bring my interest to light and share it with others around me at my new future school. Maybe then, it will help them realize the worth of a camera as much as I do. Photography is art. Regardless of whether it’s in the form of people, an event, or an animal. Photos can portray a deep visual message, a long-lasting memory or just be a simple beautiful piece of work.

I always have my camera ready to go. Whether it’s the one in my pocket or the one in my bag. I’m ready to shoot. 1...2...3... *click. That sound gives me joy. It’s the reason I find peace. It’s the reason I love photography. To Capture a Moment That Lasts Forever.

We miss you dearly<3