I had the pleasure of meeting a young man last week that has inspired me and I thought it only fair to share that with you!
Brandon's mom reached out to me after finding me on a New Market and Huntsville Alabama page and loving my work. Her son, Brandon, was set to graduate in just a few short weeks and she wanted to do senior pictures for him. I was thrilled to spend my first week back capturing such a special time in their family's lives.
Brandon was nothing short of amazing. I could tell right when I met him this was going to be a great session. He had a genuine smile and laugh-which, when dealing with men and photoshoots is like spotting a unicorn.
I couldn't miss an opportunity to share with you a few of the awesome things about this guy!
Tell me a little about yourself (likes, interests, etc)
"My name is Brandon King. I am a graduating senior attending the University of Alabama in the Fall. While this pandemic has put a halt on some of my senior plans, I am focusing on the things I can do at the moment. I still work most days at a local pizza joint known as DJs Pizza."
(btw DJ's Pizza Kitchen is amazing!!!)
Something you hate that most people love:
"This is going to sound utterly insane, but I strongly dislike having any sort of free time. I like to have a regimented schedule in which I have most of my day planned out with studying and or work. During this quarantine I have had an exorbitant amount of free time which has made me realize just how unstructured I feel with it."
How has this senior year been different than you imagined?
"My senior year was almost complete in a sense. Most of my AP classes were close to being done teaching content and were about to start reviewing. The main thing that changed with my last year was the classic senior events that everyone looks forward to. These events consist of Prom and Senior Awards Day. They’re just a few special memories we won’t be able to have."
What are your plans after graduation?
"I plan to attend the University of Alabama in the fall. I have also earned a spot in the Million Dollar Band Percussion Section, so I expect that will be where most of my time is spent during this upcoming year. In terms of my major for college, I plan to major in Pre-Medical Biology, with hopes of taking the MCATs in a few years."
How long have you known you wanted to be a pediatric surgeon?
"My grandad was a Surgeon in the Vietnam War. I had always been interested in the photos and stories he shared, but after he passed a few years back I truly realized medicine was my calling. The one driving force that helps me study and keeps me chugging along towards Pre-Med is my desire to make a difference. If you take a quick glance at the world today you will see lots of people pushing each other down. It has always been a goal of mine to do the exact opposite. We only have a short time on this earth, so any positive difference I can make to someone’s livelihood or health is something I strive for."
What is one positive effect the pandemic has had on your life?
"My auditions for the Million Dollar Band were just about a month out when this whole pandemic / lockdown took place. So really quarantine gave me a lot more time to practice and prepare myself for my audition."
Your parents seem super supportive of you and I imagine have been a large part of getting you to this point. What’s one thing you admire/love about your dad? Your mom?
"My parents are incredibly supportive of me. From my phase of wanting to play football to my drumming endeavors, they have been all smiles. I would say my Dad has inspired me the most to not listen to people in general about Medical School. My dad has his masters in Aerospace Engineering and graduated in a senior class of 7 students, that started as 77. He told me that all throughout his academic years other students and even some professors tried to tell him how hard it would be. They tried to dissuade him from Aerospace, telling him most people would flunk or a certain course was awful and impassable. Most people say the same thing about Medical School. My dad showed me that you can really do anything you set your mind to and to just tune out the people who try to push you down. My mom has taught me countless life lessons, which I’ll never be able to repay her for. She teaches at Hazel Green Elementary, a title one school. The hours she spends helping struggling individuals always amazes and inspires me. Whether it is an underprivileged kid who just needs somebody to talk to for the year, or a student who is a reading level below their grade, she takes on the challenge without looking back. I know that I’ll take her passion for positivity with me for the rest of my life.
Any advice for upcoming seniors?
"Keep your friends close. They are what make your senior year what it is. Laugh and live a little, because senior year flies by. Just know, Pandemic or no Pandemic, you’ll have a blast."
I have full confidence that Brandon is going to do everything he wants in this life and more. He has a maturity beyond his years and a drive to do good in this world. While I am only a small background character in the lives of my clients-you know coffee girl #4 in credits- I love that this is what I get to do for a living. Capturing a little snippet in the bigger story is what it's all about. Good luck Brandon and class of 2020. Pandemic or no there is so much opportunity to grow and do great things.
2 Comments
Jul 25, 2020, 3:55:21 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - He certainly is!
May 27, 2020, 9:39:45 AM
Donna King - Brandon is my grandson and I know how smart and king he is! He’s an amazing young man who will go far in life and I am super proud of him! The pictures are fantastic too!