I remember my first day meeting Aniya. She was in Band and I asked the teacher if I could just talk to her for a moment in the hallway. "I don't know if you've heard but I'm the person that is suppose to be photographing you this semester," I said. Responded with a nod and we went back into Band class. I spent most of my time sitting in the back of the classroom because I did not want to be disruptive. That day, I also got the chance to sit with her at the lunch table and start to get to know her. From that day to now, it has been an exciting and challenging journey.
I have spent a lot of time photographing and getting to know Aniya. In the process I also got to know about her school, her friends, and her family. By the end I really became close with Aniya and I am extremely thankful for our relationship. It was an amazing experience and I truly think Aniya is an amazing child. She is passionate, caring and confident. She is brilliant and has a lot of goals for herself. I hope she grows up and achieves all her dreams. I am humbled and glad that I got to be a part of her life this past semester. Thanks to Aniya, her family, and KIPP for letting me document her story.